Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A Buddhist monk holding the position of deputy abbot was caught red-handed at a highway checkpoint after changing out of his robes and travelling with a woman in a private car. The incident has sparked concerns about monastic discipline and the image of the clergy in Thailand.

 

The incident took place on Highway 212 (Chayangkul Road), between Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani, at a traffic checkpoint in Ban Khok Klang, Lue Amnat district, Amnat Charoen province. The checkpoint was set up by officers of Highway Police Subdivision 5, Division 6, under the command of Pol Lt Col Parin Khodmanee and led on-site by Pol Sub Lt Pornchai Puangso.

 

Police reported that a grey Toyota Yaris approached the checkpoint. Officers became suspicious due to the visibly nervous behaviour of both the driver and passenger. The vehicle was stopped for inspection.

 

The driver was identified as a woman referred to only as Ms A (name withheld), while the male passenger was wearing civilian clothing and a woollen cap. He later admitted to being Phra Chai Thong, a monk still formally ordained and currently serving as the deputy abbot of a temple in Kheng Yai subdistrict, Hua Taphan district, Amnat Charoen province.

 

Further inspection of the vehicle revealed a monk’s saffron robe (civara) and lower garment (sabong) concealed in the glove compartment and under the back seat.

 

Authorities then escorted the monk to his home temple for questioning and disciplinary proceedings under the Buddhist monastic code (Vinaya).

 

The incident adds to growing public scrutiny over misconduct among certain members of the Buddhist clergy in a nation where monks are traditionally revered. Religious authorities are expected to take appropriate action in line with ecclesiastical law.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-07-29

 

 

 

Ooops   🤣

Is he not allowed to  feed a lady a length... Only fellow monks ?

Yet again.