The monk who hugged a nun while teaching unusual meditation at a spiritual retreat in Saraburi province has defrocked. The Director of the Buddhist Office pressed the affiliated Sangha to investigate; the monk admitted the wrongdoing. The affiliated temple has instructed the remaining monks to observe strict discipline under its close supervision.
After Thairath Online news team published imagesof the monk hugging a nunat a spiritual retreat in Saraburi province, Ms. Udomporn Ekaem, Director of the Buddhist Office, acted promptly. She ordered follow-up on the monk and notified the affiliated temple where he was ordained in Ubon Ratchathani province. The monk traveled to report to his original temple after residing at the spiritual retreat in Saraburi. Subsequently, the Sangha conducted an investigation, after which the monk defrocked.
The report from the Office of Buddhism states the following in a letter:
Dear Director of the Buddhist Office,
Regarding the news in Thairath titled “Monk Hugging Nun” teaching unusual meditation, the Buddhist Office has sent the case for investigation to the monk’s original temple and confirmed the incident occurred at a spiritual retreat in Saraburi province.
Accordingly, the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Buddhist Office reports that it has taken the following actions:
1. Contacted and investigated the monk’s original temple. The monk in the images admitted it was him. His name is Chalanthon Thanapanyo, surname Simmakhand (Phra Tong), aged 25, ordained on 10 December 2024, affiliated with Wat Pa Sanam Chai, Phibun Mangsahan district, Ubon Ratchathani province. After ordination, he resided at Pa Chanachai spiritual retreat in Saraburi province, where the incident took place.
2. Reported to Phra Kru Banhan Ubonkhun, abbot of Wat Pa Sanam Chai and preceptor, to take proper action according to the Vinaya (monastic code). He has accepted and processed Phra Chalanthon (Phra Tong) to voluntarily defrock on 27 February 2026 at 20:09 at Wat Pa Sanam Chai, Ubon Ratchathani province.
Details are attached with supporting documents and photos.
This is for your information.
(Mrs. Naphak Thianchai)
Director, Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Buddhist Office
Office of the District Sangha Supervisor, Phibun Mangsahan (Th)
Wat Pa Sanam Chai, Pho Sai subdistrict,
Phibun Mangsahan district, Ubon Ratchathani province, 27 February 2026
Subject: Clarification of facts and summary of actions regarding a monk under our affiliation
Dear Director of the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Buddhist Office,
Regarding the inappropriate behavior of a monk affiliated with Wat Pa Sanam Chai who resided for meditation practice in Saraburi province, on behalf of the abbot and preceptor of Wat Pa Sanam Chai, we would like to clarify and summarize the investigation and disciplinary actions taken fairly for all parties as follows:
1. Case of Phra Chalanthon Thanapanyo (the monk in the news images):
When summoned for questioning, Phra Chalanthon admitted the incident occurred while he was experiencing a physical and mental crisis, though his intention was purely to receive first aid.
He acknowledged that the published images severely damaged the faith of Buddhists and the Sangha’s reputation.
Therefore, he has taken responsibility by voluntarily defrocking at 20:09 on 27 February 2026.
The preceptor assigned Phra Thawit Chantavanno (the secretary monk) to carry out the defrocking procedure according to regulations.
2. Case of the other five monks:
After in-depth investigation and individual evidence review, it was found that the five monks were not involved in the behavior reported in the news and remain strictly observant of the Vinaya.
The preceptor has kindly protected the innocent monks from defrocking rumors lacking any basis.
3. Future governance measures:
To maintain order and prevent future issues, the preceptor ordered the remaining five monks to cease residing at meditation retreats elsewhere and return to Wat Pa Sanam Chai to perform religious duties under close supervision and training by the preceptor alone.
This is to prove their innocence and preserve the faith of the laity.
We hereby report the facts and results of actions taken. Wat Pa Sanam Chai affirms its firm and fair commitment to uphold the Vinaya and Sangha regulations.
This is for your information.
