Buddhist Monk Suspended Amid Scandal Over Inappropriate Video Call

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture of some of the protesters at the temple.

 

A Buddhist monk in Rayong province has been suspended from his duties following the release of a controversial video clip allegedly showing him engaging in inappropriate behaviour during a video call with a woman. The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who have called for his permanent removal from the monastery.

 

On 22 February, a large gathering of nearly 100 residents assembled at a temple in Ban Chang District to demand answers regarding the viral video. Reports suggest that the clip, which has been widely circulated, shows a monk in a senior position engaging in lewd behaviour, masturbating, while on a video call with a woman using a cucumber in an act of mutual stimulation.

 

The controversy has prompted an official investigation by the provincial Buddhist authorities. The district monastic chief confirmed that the Office of National Buddhism had received the footage and launched an inquiry, leading to the temporary suspension of the monk in question. During questioning, the monk admitted to being the individual in the video and acknowledged his misconduct.

 

According to sources, the woman involved had allegedly befriended the monk via a messaging app before initiating the explicit video call. She later used the recorded footage to blackmail the monk, initially demanding THB 50,000, which he paid. However, when she later demanded an additional THB 200,000, the monk refused, leading to the public release of the footage.

 

The monk has since reported the blackmail attempt to the police in Ban Chang District, seeking legal recourse against the woman involved.

 

Local resident Mrs. Relai, 64, expressed her disappointment, stating, "We are relieved that senior monastic officials have stepped in to investigate. However, we do not want this monk to return to our community under any circumstances. If he does, we will ensure that the evidence is presented to higher authorities."

 

Officials from the monastic governing body have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted before a final decision is made regarding the monk’s status. The case will be reviewed at the provincial level, with potential disciplinary actions to follow.

 

-- 2025-02-24

 

 

[flyingtlger]

3 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

A Buddhist monk in Rayong province has been suspended from his duties following the release of a controversial video clip allegedly showing him engaging in inappropriate behaviour during a video call with a woman.

LOL, just comes to show that monks are only human too....