After the cheerful young actor Jack Chalermpol Thikampornthirowong or Jack Fan Chan called into the "Hone Krasae" show discussing his past filming experience where he met Somichoti, formerly Abbot Atichoti of Wat Phutthaisawan, a royal monastery in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. However, the former famous monk warned him to "be careful of a swollen testicle," which deeply unsettled Jack for a month and made him urgently check his health. Recently, Thairath Entertainment asked Jack Fan Chan about this issue.
Asked about Somichoti and the claim that Jack was warned about having a swollen testicle?
"Actually, as I mentioned on the 'Hone Krasae' show, I did go to the temple. I met him during the filming, and I also went to pay respects to the Earth Goddess. Many people said he was very famous, so I decided to check him out. When I watched, he was writing yantras and said to keep one talisman and burn the other. I'm still looking for the other one to burn—don't know where it is. It was supposed to be kept in my wallet or something. Then he looked at me and said, 'You, chubby, be careful of a swollen testicle.' I heard him say 'be careful of a swollen testicle.' How did he know I had that? I was shocked—why would he say that out of the blue? Or does he watch our show often and know I like to flirt or that I enjoy going out?"
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So, did you actually have a swollen testicle?
"No, I'm still fine today. I haven't had any swollen testicle. You know why? I was so worried that I made an appointment with a doctor who does internal exams to check. I asked, 'What does it mean to have only one testicle?' He told me I might have a swollen testicle. I wondered if it was like a hernia. I was very anxious and avoided women for almost a month out of fear. When I saw his video later, I got very angry—he had a more swollen testicle than me!"
Besides the mistaken warning, the entire Buddhist community is deeply saddened. Jack, do you want to say anything since you once visited and paid respects to him?
"Yes, as I said, we can't know what happens at each place or what kind of person someone is. But I believe that Buddhism and the Buddha's teachings are inherently good. The important thing is, you know, many people became more mindful after this incident. Some even stopped going to temples, and many disciples cried and were very upset. I just want to say that everyone makes mistakes, but at least let's learn from this lesson. Let it teach us how to protect ourselves and not be careless when getting involved in unusual things."
The sexual misconduct was serious, and so were the financial issues?
"It shouldn't have happened. This case is huge—something we haven't seen in years. Normally, we've seen scams, but nothing like 'putting things on the table' openly. This is excessive. I think he was careless and shouldn't have done such things."
If I may suggest, he should have resigned from the monkhood from the start and opened a spiritual center where, like some teachers who are allowed to have a wife, he could live a proper life. But if he has a wife, it should be only one—meaning he should observe the five precepts properly. If he has special powers or can perform rituals, he can open a center, have a wife, and live with her. But only one wife, to avoid more drama. I don't support him having a wife as a monk, but some who open centers are allowed to have one wife."
If he wants a wife, he should just resign. It's a waste of Buddhism's reputation to have monks who cause people to lose faith. Don't do that. If it's too difficult, some monks can't handle it. Even I, when I was ordained, couldn't fully give up worldly life. Don't take the risk. I'm speaking frankly, not sugarcoating it."
Now people don't want to visit Wat Phutthaisawan. What do you want to say about that?
"Actually, the temple itself is not to blame; it's just individuals. I think after a while, people will return. Maybe this is just a temporary loss of faith. I hope this is the last case. The police warned that any monk behaving like this should stop or face consequences. That warning is good. I'm waiting for things to improve. I believe if nothing like this happens again, temples could be places for meditation and practice. Don't blame this case for all temples. Some temples are good. As I said, a leaking roof only leaks in some spots—it doesn't leak everywhere. If everything leaked, who would go to temples? We should sympathize with temples that do good work."
So your faith remains the same?
"Yes, I still go to some temples. Some monks practice well, don't get involved with money or amulets, and focus on teachings. There are many like that. We must be discerning. Also, I advise devotees to be cautious about close relationships with temple women (sika)."
Don't get too close. Sometimes people make merit without realizing hidden motives?
"Yes, there are many kinds of monks—male monks, and also LGBTQ+ monks. We must be cautious of all. Honestly, I mean, don't let this get worse. I'm starting to be selective myself; I've been through a lot."
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