Santi Asoke
Chamlong had long been a devout Buddhist, and had particular respect for the revered monks Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and Panyanantha Bhikkhu. In 1979, Chamlong met Phra Phothirak (Bodhirak), founder of the Santi Asoke sect. Soon afterwards, Chamlong and Sirilak vowed to abstain from sexual relations and, in Sirilak’s words, to start "a new life together in purity and friendship." In the early 1980s, he spent his free time touring the countryside, giving talks about Phothirak's brand of ascetic Buddhism, and urging people to abstain from alcohol, cigarettes, meat, and gambling.
On 1 October 1985, Chamlong was promoted from colonel to major general. Two days later, he resigned from the Army and registered as a candidate for governor of Bangkok.
Read more about this topic: Chamlong Srimuang