Former famous actor “Tel Thanapon” opened up about the scandal in the monk community and the case of “Thid Choti” former abbot of Phutthaisawan Temple, a royal monastery in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, who embezzled 92 million baht to spend on close followers. As someone who once ordained and grew up around the temple, Tel admitted the incident deeply affected him, making him less inclined to visit temples, though he still firmly adheres to true Buddhist teachings.
Having once ordained, do you feel this news deeply shakes the community?
"Personally, I’ve been connected with temples since childhood. My father was a nurse working at the sick monks’ ward. I’ve been close to monks and temples since I was young. When I ordained, I hadn’t encountered anything like this. But lately, seeing such events is heartbreaking. It’s depressing, but I still have faith in the monks I ordained with and those I respect."
Now that Thid Choti has disrobed, he was once highly revered, with many including celebrities paying respects?
"Yes, many people did. I probably went too. I’m one of those who now feel less inclined to visit temples but still follow the teachings of the Buddha, such as the Five Precepts. When I ordained, there were 227 rules, or I also lived by the 38 auspicious verses. Regarding almsgiving and cultural traditions, I still practice them normally. Sometimes, yes, I’ve gone less. I admit the incident affected me, but I believe many good monks still exist."
Many memes mocking the scandal circulate on social media. What is your view?
"From my perspective, it’s something that shouldn’t be done. We shouldn’t mock this. As I said, every community has good and bad sides. A coin has two sides. We choose how to practice and what to believe in. What we once respected might have been good but may not be in the future. That’s possible. However, I still believe in Buddhism and the teachings of the Buddha."
What would you like to tell fans about where to place their mindset on this issue?
"Personally, I still call my father for advice. He said if I feel down or lose faith, I can get a prayer book, chant and pay respects at home. When feeling unsettled, meditate and think about the teachings—that’s enough. When ready, then go back. I like making merit a lot. When I perform in provinces, I seek out famous temples and revered monks because I enjoy it. But now, it’s disappointing because we pay respects and have feelings too."
So we just choose what to believe?
"Yes, but I think religion is still not declining."
There’s an embezzlement issue too?
"Yes. I think money is the sharpest factor; it can cut even mindfulness, it can cut everything."
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