An audio clip of a mistress confronting the abbot of a famous temple in Nonthaburi over his relationship with another woman has gone viral on social media. Recently, the abbot has disappeared from the temple to undertake a religious retreat. The Buddhist Office is expediting the investigation and says the abbot remains contactable by phone or message but his location is unknown.
Social media has circulated clips showing a mistress confronting the abbot, named Phra Ajahn A, after discovering he was involved with three other mistresses. Another clip shows a quarrel between two mistresses accusing each other of competing for the abbot.
At 10:00 a.m. on 20 Feb 2024, reporters visited a temple in Wat Chalo Subdistrict, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province to inquire about the incident. The abbot was not found, and temple monks said he has been away on religious retreat since 15 February 2024.
Reporters asked the temple monks who said that before the abbot left for retreat, senior monks came to inquire about the situation but no actions have yet been taken. The monks expressed skepticism about the allegations, suggesting they might stem from one mistress who owns a Buddha-casting foundry and had grown close to the abbot through business. However, they could not confirm if the clip's content was true, noting the abbot often speaks in such a manner and it might have been work-related discussion.
The assistant abbot said he was unaware of the issue beforehand but saw senior monks convene a meeting before the abbot left for retreat. If the abbot admits the voice in the clip is his, then it must be dealt with accordingly. If not, an investigation is necessary. He said he does not dare to judge whether it is the abbot’s voice and that only the abbot’s own admission can confirm it. Confirming on his behalf might be seen as defamation. He also acknowledged that the release of the clip might aim to damage the abbot’s reputation as the involved parties refuse to reconcile.
The assistant abbot added he does not personally know a mistress named Pong, who came to the temple about Buddha-casting work. Mistresses named Fa and Orn Korn came to sell goods and help at the temple. Another mistress named Sae, a Burmese worker at the temple, has been asked to leave to resolve the issues.
A fried banana vendor said she does not believe the abbot is involved, as she has never witnessed anything like that. She suggested that people might be after money, leading to conflicts or attempts to discredit each other. She noted that during temple events, everyone helps out peacefully and she has never seen any quarrels. She said she truly does not know what is happening.
At 2:30 p.m. at the Nonthaburi Provincial Buddhist Office, reporters asked about the audio clip. Mr. Cheewin Apibanboonchai, director of the Nonthaburi Buddhist Office, said he has informed the local monastic authority to be aware and to investigate the facts under their jurisdiction. A committee will be formed to look into the case as reported in the media. The outcome will depend on the investigation, giving the accused a chance to explain and witnesses to be heard before concluding and reporting to the media.
He explained that the monks' governing authority follows the rules of the Sangha Supreme Council to investigate monks, summon witnesses, or people involved to clarify the circumstances. Cooperation to explain and answer questions is expected. The abbot of Wat Buakwan and the provincial monastic committee have been notified to proceed according to their authority. The National Office of Buddhism's director has also been informed. Both processes are running concurrently, and the provincial monastic committee promised to expedite the investigation for a swift resolution.
When asked if the abbot is still reachable, Mr. Cheewin said he can still be contacted, but currently, the abbot is on religious retreat, and his exact location is unknown.
Regarding the authenticity of the clip, it cannot yet be verified as true or false; the investigation is ongoing and conclusions await further inquiry.
