A Thai temple is out of monks now as all of them failed the drug test

What happened: On Nov 29, four monks, including an abbot, tested positive for methamphetamine at a temple in Phetchabun province’s Bung Sam Phan district, according to district official Boonlert Thintapthai. Details: According to the official, the monks were taken to a health clinic for drug rehabilitation, “The temple is now devoid of monks, and nearby villagers are concerned that they will be unable to make merit,” Thintapthai explained. Why it matters: According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Thailand is a major transit country for methamphetamine entering from Myanmar’s troubled Shan state via Laos. Pills are sold on the street for less than 20 baht.