Report High-Ranking Thai Abbot Leaves Monkhood Amid Blackmail Allegations

[snoop1130]

Photo via Facebook/ วัดตรีทศเทพวรวิหาร WAT TRI Thotsathep

 

Prathep Wachira Patimoke, known as Arch, a respected abbot from Tri Thotsathep Temple in Bangkok, has left the monkhood unexpectedly and travelled to Laos, allegedly due to blackmail by a woman with whom he had a romantic relationship.

 

Arch, who was appointed abbot three years ago and was highly regarded within the Buddhist community, submitted his request to leave the monkhood at Chan Samakkhi Temple in Nong Khai on June 29.

 

His sudden departure shocked many, as he was set for potential promotion and held the trust of senior monks. Reports indicate that Arch had travelled to Copenhagen on June 18 and returned to Thailand on June 24 before heading to Laos.

 

In Vientiane, he sought to formally leave the monkhood at Tai Noi Rattanamongkhon Temple, but was advised to complete the process in Thailand. Subsequently, Arch returned and conducted the ritual in Nong Khai before reportedly heading back to Laos and potentially Germany, though this is unconfirmed.

 

Thai media suggest his departure stems from a romantic scandal involving a 35-year-old woman identified as K. The relationship allegedly involved meetings at various hotels.

 

Fearing exposure by fellow abbot Yaem Kittintharo, Arch distanced himself from the woman. She allegedly fabricated a pregnancy and demanded 7.8 million baht for child support. When Arch refused upon learning of the deception, she leaked private materials to a senior monk.

 

The scandal spread among the clergy, leading the Royal Thai Police to launch an investigation. Arch fled before any legal action commenced.

 

Authorities intend to summon Arch for questioning, as his actions breached monastic rules and may affect temple donations. The Central Investigation Bureau plans to audit the temple’s finances to ensure public donations were used properly. Arch's contact with the police is awaited.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-01

 

 

[chickenslegs]

No mention of arresting/prosecuting the blackmailer.

 

The monk was guilty of giving in to his natural desires. She is an wicked criminal who deserves prison.

[watchcat]

On 7/1/2025 at 11:23 AM, snoop1130 said:

left the monkhood unexpectedly and travelled to Laos, allegedly due to blackmail by a woman with whom he had a romantic relationship.

 

Never trust a woman if you're a monk.

[Patong2021]

On 7/1/2025 at 6:30 AM, chickenslegs said:

No mention of arresting/prosecuting the blackmailer.

 

The monk was guilty of giving in to his natural desires. She is an wicked criminal who deserves prison.

 

Monk has to deal with the allegation of fraud and corruption. It cannot be waved off with a poor fellow succumbed to his urges  excuse.

As an abbott, he was not just a moral and religious leader, but was also a fiduciary of his wat. If he was collecting funds under the premise of being a devout monk,  while engaging in lustful carnal relations, then he committed fraud, The wat may have to return funds and to undertake certain religious rites if they were performed by an unqualified monk.

[Emdog]

7 million baht.... Monks take a vow of poverty, right? Maybe they have a different definition of poverty? And how could he afford to be  ".... heading back to Laos and potentially Germany," ?

[chickenslegs]

10 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

 

Monk has to deal with the allegation of fraud and corruption. It cannot be waved off with a poor fellow succumbed to his urges  excuse.

As an abbott, he was not just a moral and religious leader, but was also a fiduciary of his wat. If he was collecting funds under the premise of being a devout monk,  while engaging in lustful carnal relations, then he committed fraud, The wat may have to return funds and to undertake certain religious rites if they were performed by an unqualified monk.

 

Any comment about the blackmailer who even pretended to be pregnant to get money from him? There seems to be not much criticism of her in this thread - and it turns out not to be her first rodeo.

 

[Patong2021]

6 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

 

Any comment about the blackmailer who even pretended to be pregnant to get money from him? There seems to be not much criticism of her in this thread - and it turns out not to be her first rodeo.

 

If the accused engaged in blackmail, she should  be dealt with as per the laws that apply to extortion. However, the facts of the case are yet to be established. We do not not if the monk was a victim or if he was a contributory factor. In the past, men have held out promises of marriage and wealth to get what they want. Whatever, her motives,  her conduct is a matter seperate from that of the monk.