Scandal of Thai Temple Abbot Involving 6 Women Including a Bhikkhuni Exposed, Returns to Secular Life

The abbot of a renowned temple in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand, became embroiled in a sex scandal involving multiple women. After intimate videos of his relationships were exposed and triggered public uproar, he left monkhood on the 23rd of this month, ending his status as a monk.

The incident originated from several videos circulating on social media, of which two show two women engaging in a heated argument with the abbot inside the temple. The dispute centers on issues of romantic relationships, with the parties questioning each other over who is the abbot's “real wife.” One of the women even threatened that if the abbot continued seeing the other woman, she would find a way to force him to return to secular life.

Meanwhile, another video shows the abbot arguing with a woman, and at the same time, two women alleged to be close to the abbot had a conflict with each other. These clips quickly spread online, attracting widespread public attention and damaging the image of the Buddhist monastic community.

Investigations by relevant authorities confirmed the incident indeed took place in Nonthaburi Province. Further probing revealed that the abbot was simultaneously involved in intimate relationships with up to six women, including a bhikkhuni from the temple. This has led the public to dub it as 'having six worlds' and raised doubts about his qualification to continue serving as abbot.

After the scandal was exposed, Thailand's National Office of Buddhism swiftly intervened. Associate Professor Chatchai Phong, Director of the National Office of Buddhism and acting Secretary of the Maha Sangha Council, led related officials to Nonthaburi, met with high-level local monastics including the provincial chief monk and vice chief monk, and demanded the matter be handled prudently according to monastic regulations, ensuring strictness and transparency in the investigative process.

The monastic administration subsequently suspended the abbot's duties and initiated disciplinary procedures. Meanwhile, the abbot himself also voluntarily expressed his intention to return to secular life.

Ultimately, the former abbot formally applied to leave monkhood and completed the required procedures on the evening of February 23, around 7 pm, by meeting the vice-chief monk at the local temple. The monastic order has already submitted the case report and photos of the defrocking ceremony to the National Office of Buddhism for record.

The National Office of Buddhism stated that the information will be entered into the electronic database system and follow-up procedures will be carried out in accordance with the law.