A Buddhist temple was left empty after every monk failed drug tests in Thailand.

At least eight monks including their chief abbots were found positive for methamphetamine during unannounced testing in Phetchabun province on November 28.

They were sent to a Bueng Sam Phan Hospital to undergo a rehabilitation program as officials continued regional anti-drugs operations.

However, locals were worried as the worshippers could not continue with the religious functions without their leaders.

Bueng Sam Phan district council chief Sompong Thongnoonui said that four of the monks belonged to a single temple - leaving it empty. The four others were spread across three other temples.

He said: ‘We did a joint inspection of the temple compounds and screened the monks for prohibited drugs where they tested positive.'

Sompong added that urine tests came back purple indicating that the monks had been using the substances.

After the incident, Sap Samotd Temple abbot Phrakhru Siriphatcharopas said they were now taking steps to help with the situation.

He said: ‘Now, the monks have taken steps. There will be a meeting and an acting abbot will be appointed to fill in the missing monks.'

The Bueng Sam Phan District has 30 Buddhist temples.

Meanwhile, Police Colonel Anukul Daily of the provincial police said they are now looking for the person who sold the drugs to the temples.

He said: ‘We are searching for the person who sold the drugs to the temples. The tests will continue.'

Local official Boonlert Thintapthai said the monks have been sent to a health clinic to undergo drug rehabilitation.