A senior monk in Thailand’s Nonthaburi province has stepped down from his religious post after allegations surfaced that he maintained relationships with six women, sparking widespread public criticism and prompting an official review by authorities.
According to reports from local media, the controversy erupted after videos circulating online showed two women confronting each other over their alleged relationships with the same abbot. The footage, which began spreading widely on 6 February 2026, led to intense debate on social media and eventually uncovered claims involving four additional women.
The women accused the monk of exchanging money for intimate photographs and arranging private meetings outside the temple grounds. In the viral video, one woman claimed to be the monk’s “primary partner”, alleging that he had transferred funds to other women and met them secretly. She further stated that she discovered explicit messages and photographs on his phone.
The second woman denied having an affair, saying she already had a boyfriend. However, online claims suggested that she had sent private images to the monk when requesting financial assistance. These allegations have not been independently verified by authorities.
Authorities Launch Investigation
Following public outrage, officials from the National Office of Buddhism intervened to review the matter. Representatives visited the Bua Kwan Temple and held discussions with senior monastic officials in Nonthaburi province.
Temple authorities confirmed that the abbot had voluntarily left the monkhood three days after the scandal became public. It was not immediately stated whether he admitted to the allegations. His behaviour will reportedly be recorded in official records, and the findings will be escalated to higher-ranking religious officials.
Investigators are also expected to examine the temple’s financial transactions to determine whether any funds were used to support the women involved. Reports circulating online claim that the monk provided financial assistance to one woman who operated a hair salon, and allegedly paid for cosmetic procedures for several women, including a foreign national. These claims are also under scrutiny.
Public Reaction and Wider Concerns
The incident has generated strong reactions across Thailand, where public expectations of monastic conduct remain high. Many netizens expressed disappointment, stressing that religious leaders are held to strict ethical standards and should serve as moral examples to the community.
Religious authorities have reiterated that they will continue monitoring compliance within temples nationwide. The case has reignited discussions about transparency, financial oversight, and accountability within religious institutions.
As investigations continue, officials have not announced whether criminal charges will be filed. For now, the former abbot’s resignation marks the end of his monastic career, while the broader inquiry into the allegations remains ongoing.