Bangkok: The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) reveals a surge in calls to its 1386 hotline regarding drug-related incidents in temples, mostly in the northeastern region. Police Lieutenant Colonel Suriya Singhakamol, Secretary-General of the ONCB, noted that the increasing number of complaints highlights a growing concern about drug-related problems involving temples and monks.

According to Thai News Agency, the ONCB has been actively monitoring the drug situation nationwide and has advised relevant agencies to take rapid action. The 1386 hotline serves as a crucial tool for receiving public complaints, facilitating urgent solutions through cooperation with security, administrative, and public health agencies.

In fiscal year 2025, the ONCB received over 15,000 complaints via its hotline. A significant portion of these complaints involved monks and temples, with the highest concentration reported in the Northeast region, followed by the Central, Southern, and Northern regions. The reported activities include drug abuse within temples, drug trafficking on temple grounds, and the introduction and sale of drugs by outsiders, raising concerns about the impact on Buddhist faith and social stability.

The ONCB's Secretary-General emphasized the importance of collaboration with the National Office of Buddhism to address these issues. The ONCB aims to promote systematic prevention and resolution measures as drug abuse in temples poses a threat to both religious institutions and society. Public cooperation is encouraged to monitor, prevent, and resolve the problem sustainably.

The ONCB urges the public to remain vigilant and report any drug-related information through the 1386 hotline, which operates 24/7 to address all drug-related problems.