Udon thani: A Buddhist monk, heavily intoxicated, attempted to enter a popular shabu-shabu restaurant and bar behind a well-known shopping mall in downtown Udon Thani last night. Security guards intervened and handed him over to the police for defrocking.

According to Thai News Agency, the monk, identified as Phra Somorn or Mr. Somorn, age 60, was seen wearing a monk's robe and flip-flops, staggering, and speaking incoherently. He reeked of alcohol and shouted at onlookers, claiming he could drink cheap liquor anywhere because it wasn't against the constitution, criticizing the law and politicians.

Security guards at the shopping mall entrance apprehended him and called the police. Upon arrival, the monk challenged two police officers to a fight. A search revealed his monk's identification and national ID card, confirming him as a monk from Wat Pa Lelai in Nong Bua Lamphu province, ordained for 20 years.

Police escorted Phra Somorn to Wat Phothisomphorn, a royal temple in Udon Thani province, for defrocking. During the journey, he attempted to jump out of the vehicle and grabbed a police officer's metal pole, trying to strike him. The officers restrained him, handcuffing him to the back of the pickup truck.

At Wat Phothisomphorn, Phra Khru Sutthipanyawat, the deputy abbot of Udon Thani province, conducted the disrobing ceremony. Mr. Somorn confessed to drinking alcohol to alleviate arm pain. After changing into a white suit, he refused police requests to enter the police car, shouting threats again.

The police took him to the station and charged him with public intoxication and disorderly conduct to proceed with legal action.