The abbot of a well-known temple in Chiang Mai has renounced his monkhood following a video showing intimate contact with a nun in his quarters. He cited poor health and aimed to demonstrate sincerity amid allegations. The Buddhist Office will appoint a committee to investigate the temple's assets and accounts according to procedures. Tags: [Chiang Mai, Buddhist Monks, Temple Scandal, Monastic Resignation, Investigation]
A local resident filed a complaint alleging that the abbot of a prominent temple in Nong Hoi Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, engaged in inappropriate relations with a cleaning woman employed at the temple. The complainant presented CCTV footage showing the nun entering into intimate contact with a monk on a bed, including lifting shirts and leaning in closely. The footage also showed the person leaving the abbot’s bedroom multiple times at different occasions. The complainant claimed it was the same abbot each time. When initially questioned by the Buddhist Office, the abbot denied the allegations and requested to step aside due to health problems and to ensure transparency during the investigation, as previously reported.Tags: [Complaint, CCTV Evidence, Allegations, Buddhist Office, Monk Misconduct]
Latest update on 21 May 2026: Reporters confirmed that the monk in question has formally renounced his monkhood at the Nong Hoi Subdistrict Sangha Office located at Muang Sat Non Temple, Nong Hoi Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Province, around 6 p.m. yesterday. He cited health reasons and to show sincerity regarding the allegations but neither admitted nor denied the video footage of him on the bed inside the quarters.Tags: [Monk Resignation, Health Reasons, Allegations, Chiang Mai, Buddhist Discipline]
Aree Phanchan, Director of the Chiang Mai Provincial Office of Buddhism, stated that the local Sangha administrative authority in Nong Hoi Subdistrict will appoint a committee to audit the temple’s assets and financial accounts as per procedure. However, the disciplinary investigation into alleged monastic misconduct will be discontinued because the monk has renounced his monkhood. The matter is a monastic disciplinary issue, not a criminal offense.Tags: [Buddhist Office, Asset Audit, Monastic Discipline, Investigation Closure, Chiang Mai]
In the afternoon, the news team visited the temple but did not find the former abbot. Only two or three disciples were seen helping to move his personal belongings out of the quarters into two pickup trucks. The disciples said they did not know where the abbot would be moved to next. When asked about the former abbot’s whereabouts, they replied they were unaware.Tags: [Temple Visit, Disciples, Personal Belongings, Former Abbot, Chiang Mai]
Nearby villagers recalled that before falling ill, the former abbot diligently performed his monastic duties, helped impoverished locals and bedridden patients, and went on daily alms rounds. However, after becoming ill, he was rarely seen. They expressed shock and disappointment over the recent news. Despite the evidence, some villagers who trusted the former abbot remain skeptical and believe he was targeted unfairly. The differing opinions have made locals hesitant to speak out publicly to avoid community conflict.Tags: [Villagers, Abbot’s Past Conduct, Community Reaction, Trust, Social Division]
Villagers also expressed disappointment that this temple has faced two scandals involving inappropriate relations with monks. The previous abbot was also accused of similar misconduct. Now the current abbot’s case adds to the controversy. They hope the new abbot will restore the community’s faith in the temple.Tags: [Temple Scandals, Monastic Misconduct, Community Trust, Leadership Change, Chiang Mai]