Following the arrest of former Luang Por Atichot, the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, and Si Ka Ae due to scandalous behavior including adultery and embezzlement of temple funds, there has been intense criticism on social media.
Recently, the leading luk thung singer Hai Arpaporn Nakhonsawan opened up about the issue after participating in a charity aerobics event in Uthai Thani province, saying she feels deeply disheartened by the monastic community because she is a Buddhist who has made many merit offerings at temples.
At some small temples with about 20 monks, monks have even told her they have to find people to help make merit. This contrasts with large temples that have many devoted followers. Buddhism itself is not declining; what is declining are the people who exploit the saffron robes. She cannot accept it. The women involved are very vile. There are many such women acting in organized groups.
Nowadays, good monks are struggling to survive. She may change her way of making merit, wanting instead to help children with multiple disabilities, people in hardship, poor children without educational funding, releasing water buffaloes, and saving animals, which she believes will bring more happiness.
When asked by reporters what she would do if a monk she has faithfully respected is involved in such news, Hai sighed and compared it to a broken heart because when we love and have faith, it is very painful.
Many monks who have been defrocked in the news have caused heartbreak, even if she did not know them personally. Still, she continues to make merit and encourages Buddhists to think of it as making merit for Buddhism itself. She ended with a strong remark that if she encounters such vile people again, she cannot tolerate it.
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