NONTHABURI, THAILAND – A senior abbot in Nonthaburi faced mounting public allegations after viral videos showed two women arguing over an alleged relationship with the monk.
Viral confrontation over alleged secret relationship
On 6 February a video circulated widely on Thai social media showing a heated argument between two women. One woman identified herself as the abbot’s wife and accused the other of having a relationship with her husband, said to be the monk Ajarn A. The second woman rejected the accusation, stated that she was in a relationship herself, and announced she would reveal the abbot’s alleged marriage.
Second video and claims of compromising material
In another video, the woman claiming to be the abbot’s wife made further accusations. She said she had found compromising messages and images of another woman on the abbot’s mobile phone, and alleged that he had given money to a lover for her hair salon, as well as arranging secret meetings outside the temple.
Reports of multiple women and financial benefits
A Facebook page amplified additional claims that the abbot had maintained relationships with a total of four women. Some of them were said to have received money from him for cosmetic surgery, and one of the women was reported to be a Myanmar national. Observers were reminded of an earlier case involving a woman named Golf, who reportedly had relationships with at least eleven monks in different parts of Thailand.
Abbot absent from temple as monk defends him
A reporter team from broadcaster Channel 8 went to the abbot’s temple in Nonthaburi but did not find him there. The monk Kaenchan said,
“The abbot left for a meditation trip a few days ago.”
said Kaenchan, monk. He also commented on the allegations, stating,
“I do not believe that the abbot would have a relationship or violate the monastic rules.”
said Kaenchan, monk, and suggested the women in the video might have argued under the influence of alcohol.
Divided public reaction and calls for investigation
A vendor in front of the temple described the abbot as a conscientious monk, saying,
“I cannot imagine that.”
said a vendor, temple-side trader. On social media, many users demanded an official investigation by the National Office for Buddhism, with one writing,
“This must not go unpunished!”
said an unnamed social media user, commenter, and another commenting,
“Such scandals destroy trust in religion.”
said another unnamed user, social media commenter.
Monastic rules and potential consequences
If the allegations were confirmed, the abbot would have violated basic rules of Buddhist monastic life. These prohibit sexual relationships, physical contact with women and being alone with them, while financial benefits to women would constitute an additional breach. The National Office for Buddhism came under public pressure to examine the case quickly and transparently, amid concerns that the accusations against Ajarn A. could cause lasting damage to the reputation of Thailand’s Buddhist community if left unresolved.
Renewed debate on oversight of religious institutions
The case fueled a recurring debate in Thailand over whether religious institutions required stronger institutional oversight. Critics pointed to repeated reports of violations within the monkhood as evidence of a structural problem going beyond isolated incidents. Supporters of independent supervision called for transparent procedures and clear consequences for proven misconduct, while it remained unclear whether the case of Ajarn A would ultimately lead to concrete reforms.