Former Abbot Charged with Drunk Driving After Crashing into Prison Director.

Hang Dong: The former abbot of a renowned temple in Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province, is facing four serious charges after a late-night outing led to a drunken car crash with the director of Lamphun Prison, resulting in severe injuries to the latter. Despite the incident, the abbot has not disrobed, asserting that he received no special treatment from authorities. According to Thai News Agency, the former abbot, associated with a temple in Nong Kaew Subdistrict, appeared at Hang Dong Police Station to acknowledge the charges and provide further testimony. The crash occurred on the morning of October 25 on the Chiang Mai-Hot Road, where CCTV footage captured the abbot driving a pickup truck that collided with a blue sedan. Despite calls from bystanders, he initially refused to exit the vehicle until police intervention. Tests revealed his blood alcohol level was 155 milligrams percent. Following the incident, police charged him with driving under the influence, reckless driving causing serious injury, causing property damage, and driving without a license. The abbot confessed to all charges and, though he remained at the scene, he sought medical treatment for his injuries for two nights and attempted to contact the injured director. He maintained he had no privileges from the police. The process of disrobing is ongoing, and he has resigned from all positions, including his role as abbot. Pol. Col. Wirwin Sermsrithanachai, Superintendent of Hang Dong Police Station, stated that legal proceedings are being conducted as per standard protocol. The decision to disrobe rests with the Sangha. The injured, Mr. Phongsakon, aged 47, suffered 11 broken ribs. The quiet atmosphere at the temple contrasts with the community's reaction. Mr. Thawee Khampa, the village headman, noted past complaints about the abbot's behavior and expressed a personal preference for his disrobing. The temple committee is securing remaining assets, and the subdistrict abbot temporarily assumes his duties. An upcoming merit-making event wil l see monks from other temples performing the ceremony.