Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on 21/7 pledged to expedite its investigation into 67-year-old monk Thamma Wachiratheerakhun, also known as Thid Sarit, over allegations of misconduct. The monk was formerly the abbot of Wat Nakhon Sawan temple in Nakhon Sawan province.
Photos circulated on social media last week show the monk wearing a wig and civilian clothes, embracing a 57-year-old woman.
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Thamma Wachiratheerakhun wearing a wig and embracing a woman in a photo published online. Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham |
Thamma Wachiratheerakhun wearing a wig and embracing a woman in a photo published online. Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham
The photos surfaced after a female lecturer at a public university for monks reported Thamma to the police for misconduct, alleging involvement with multiple women. She identified the woman in the photograph as a wealthy businesswoman.
Following the accusations, Thamma requested to leave the monkhood in a ceremony at Wat Nakhon Sawan temple on 19/7. In his application, he cited health reasons and a desire to avoid further damage to the national monastic community.
CIB investigators subsequently uncovered photos and chat logs indicating a romantic relationship between the former abbot and the businesswoman. The two are believed to have been involved for 15 years.
Thai media reports suggest he was also involved with two other women. They reportedly reside in luxury housing in Muang district, Nakhon Sawan province, with one being a divorcee.
In addition to the relationship scandal, the former abbot is also under investigation for financial irregularities related to the Nakhon Sawan Buddhist Park project, which has been stalled for about a decade. Investigators are examining whether he misused temple funds for personal gain.
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Thamma Wachiratheerakhun and his alleged partner. Photo: Bangkok Post |
Thamma Wachiratheerakhun and his alleged partner. Photo: Bangkok Post
According to the CIB, the monk frequently solicited donations from temples and Buddhists in Nakhon Sawan and neighboring provinces. Investigators also discovered that the businesswoman linked to him possesses substantial assets, including cars, jewelry, and land, despite lacking a clear source of income.
The temple previously denied any irregularities in the Buddhist Park project, claiming to have financial records to refute the complaints. They attributed the project delays to negligent contractors.
However, the CIB stated investigators would continue to scrutinize the temple’s financial reports for any wrongdoing.
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Thamma Wachiratheerakhun during his time as abbot. Photo: Bangkok Post |
Thamma Wachiratheerakhun during his time as abbot. Photo: Bangkok Post
In light of recent scandals involving monks, the CIB has established a special center to handle complaints of monastic misconduct. One notable case is the sex scandal involving 35-year-old Wilawan Emsawat, also known as "Ms. Golf," and senior monks from several prominent temples.
Danuporn Punnakanta, a spokesperson for the ruling Pheu Thai party, said on 20/7 the party supports new legislation to address concerns about temple financial management. However, due to the sensitive nature of the issue, public input will be sought during the drafting process.
Huyen Le (Bangkok Post)
