Community Lampang Abbot Crashes Car, Pressured to Disrobe After Beer Allegations Surface

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek

 

An abbot in Lampang, has been forced to disrobe following a string of troubling incidents that culminated in a car crash and explosive allegations from his temple disciples.

 

The 83-year-old monk, known as Phra Methee, abbot of Wat Sri Don Chai in Muang District, Lampang Province, drove his car off the road and into a drainage ditch on the Lampang–Chae Hom Road in Ton Thong Chai sub-district on the evening of 12 July. Rescue volunteers from the Ton Thong Chai Rescue Foundation found him sitting unharmed beside the vehicle.

 

Local reports reveal that earlier the same morning, around 07:00, the monk had also crashed into a mannequin outside a clothing shop near Ratchawong Market. These back-to-back incidents sparked concern among community members.

 

When confronted at the temple the following day, Phra Methee claimed he had been suffering from a flare-up of gout and other chronic illnesses and had been driving to a clinic for treatment when the collisions occurred. However, village leaders and residents, frustrated by his repeated solo outings in civilian areas, challenged his behaviour as inappropriate for a senior monk.

 

A turning point came when a temple disciple publicly accused the abbot of previously instructing him to purchase beer on at least three occasions. This revelation further angered the local community, who viewed it as a clear violation of Buddhist precepts.

 

Initially, the abbot resisted calls to disrobe, arguing that he had not committed any serious wrongdoing and that his car had been lawfully purchased from a used car dealership. However, growing pressure from villagers, citing a pattern of misconduct and unmonastic behaviour, ultimately led to his resignation from the monkhood at 16:00 on 13 July.

 

The incident has once again brought scrutiny upon monastic discipline, where occasional scandals continue to spark public debate over the role and conduct of Buddhist clergy.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khomchadluek 2025-07-15

 

 

 

[bg53]

Just book him for traffic violations!

[JimHuaHin]

Here we go again; another day, another Thai Buddhist scandal.  I thought the Catholic church was bad, but this ...