CHIANG MAI, Thailand – Buddhist authorities have warned monks against holding private parties in temples during the sacred Khao Phansa retreat after reports of late-night drinking sessions.
An inspection committee from the Buddhist provincial office received eyewitness accounts, photos, and a list of monks allegedly involved on Saturday morning. The accusations span from ordinary temple residents to abbots across the province.
Reports and photos reach officials
The committee obtained explosive material including photographs and a list of monks suspected of taking part in the forbidden gatherings. The alleged meetings took place in temples throughout Chiang Mai province.
Authorities have not publicly named any temples or individuals. The accusations have not been independently verified.
Alcohol and entertainment staff in temples
The monks are accused of organising parties late at night in their private living quarters. They reportedly invited entertainment staff and stored beer and spirits in fridges and cool boxes right at the venue.
Photos of the celebrations were shared in private Line chat groups. Some of those images later leaked to the provincial Buddhist authorities and triggered the warning.
Own cars instead of temple drivers
To avoid detection, the monks allegedly took elaborate precautions. Instead of using the usual temple drivers, they drove their own cars or booked ride-hailing services to travel between temples.
The fear of leaks was apparently high. The report contains detailed descriptions of vehicles from several temples.
Medical test after a meeting
A person from the entertainment industry sought a medical examination after a meeting with monks, fearing an infection. The individual reportedly threatened to file a complaint if the test came back positive.
The result was negative. The matter was not pursued further.
Stop for the sake of Buddhism
I want to warn monks who regularly organise parties to stop, regardless of the date or month. If they get caught or the matter becomes public, this will cause widespread damage.
said Wallop Namwongphrom, Culture Council of Chiang Mai province.
Wallop condemned the behaviour sharply. He called the actions inappropriate and damaging to public trust, even if legally they might be only a minor offence.
During Khao Phansa, please stop for the sake of Buddhism.
said Wallop.
No names and unclear consequences
The Buddhist provincial office continues to withhold the identities of the accused monks and temples. Whether a formal investigation or disciplinary proceedings have been launched is unclear.
No official results are available at this time.