Bangkok: Sweet chats have surfaced, implicating ‘Chao Khun Prasit’, the assistant abbot of Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan, in a romantic relationship with ‘Sika Golf’. The scandal unfolds as monks report that ‘Sika Golf’ has disrobed ten times, with suspicions of more disrobing incidents yet to be revealed.
According to Thai News Agency, the case of Ms. Golf has seen significant developments following a police raid on her residence, resulting in nine monks disrobing. The provincial abbot of Phitsanulok, Phra Ratcha Rattanasuthee, also disrobed after authorities visited Wat Sawang Arom. A source believes there are additional monks involved in Ms. Golf’s network, but she has not disclosed all names. Photographs in the evidence require further investigation to identify the monks involved, while the police request more time to complete their inquiries.
The controversy extends to the former abbot of Wat Chuchit, who initially denied any relationship with Ms. Golf. However, clear evidence shows a connection, including a video clip where the former abbot engages in a heated argument with Ms. Golf and subsequently hits himself with a flashlight. Meanwhile, the former provincial monk of Phichit also disrobed recently.
Currently, three monks remain under scrutiny: the abbot of Phitsanulok Province, the assistant abbot of Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan, and the abbot of Wat Yai Chom Prasat. The latter has gone missing, and Ms. Golf denies a romantic involvement, asserting instead a financial relationship involving borrowed funds. Police investigations into financial irregularities are ongoing, with missing documents linked to a one-million-baht transfer. Forensic experts are examining CCTV footage to determine the fate of these documents. Since 2015, Ms. Golf has reportedly been in contact with three monks, including a former monk who is also her child’s father.
Photographic and chat evidence, including sweet conversations and images, further implicate ‘Chao Khun Prasit’. Reports indicate that he met with the Central Sangha Chief to deny romantic involvement with Ms. Golf and clarify his stance. Despite evidence of romantic exchanges, including messages and a bouquet of roses sent by him, he maintains his innocence and does not intend to disrobe.
Mr. Booncherd Kittitharangkun, Deputy Director of the National Office of Buddhism, stated that Chao Khun Prasit has not disrobed and remains in contact, albeit relocated. He is open to cooperating with the investigation led by the committee appointed by the Supreme Patriarch. Chao Khun Prasit faces suspension from his roles until the investigation concludes, as his high-ranking position demands ethical scrutiny.
The ongoing investigation will determine the extent of Chao Khun Prasit’s involvement and whether his actions warrant removal from his ecclesiastical positions. The emerging chat evidence suggests a Sanghatisesa offense, considered serious but not at the level of Parajika. Depending on the depth of the relationship, further disciplinary actions may follow, adhering to monastic regulations.