Bangkok: The Sangha Supreme Council has taken decisive action by dismissing and stripping ecclesiastical titles from monks involved in a serious scandal, summoning five for urgent clarification. The council’s special meeting resulted in the removal of monks who committed the Parajika offense, with six already disrobed and two unreachable. Revisions to the council’s rules, deemed outdated by over 50 years, are underway. Additionally, Phra Thep Phatcharaphon, abbot of Wat Chu Chit, has resigned.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Inthaporn Chan-aim, Director of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB), announced post-meeting that the Supreme Patriarch expressed concern over the emerging scandal. Consequently, an urgent meeting was summoned, where it was resolved that accused monks guilty of Parajika offenses must be disrobed immediately. Those pending disrobing will be removed from their posts, with a resolution to request royal permission for stripping ecclesiastical ranks.
The council emphasized the need for close monitoring and supervision of monks by the chief of the Sangha, with immediate investigations into any behavior violating Dhamma and Vinaya. In cases of serious allegations, suspension and legal action are mandated, with caution advised in public communications.
To protect Buddhism, a special committee will be formed to review and update Sangha regulations, focusing on disciplinary matters and the legal authority of the Sangha Supreme Council. The committee will also address communication guidelines and personal data protection, ensuring alignment with current legal and social contexts.
The scandal involves 11 senior monks linked to the “Ms. Golf” case, divided into four groups. Group 1 includes six monks already disrobed, marking the end of monastic governance for them, while legal investigations into other offenses continue. Group 2 consists of two monks with unclear status due to inaccessibility, prompting summons for clarification. Group 3 retains their monastic status, with ongoing evidence submission to relevant authorities. Group 4 features a monk who resigned as abbot but remains a monk, with an acting abbot appointed in his place.
The Supreme Sangha Council, alongside the National Office of Buddhism, is actively coordinating with the Royal Thai Police to gather evidence for disciplinary actions against remaining monks. The governing monastic order is expediting notifications for them to report, while police investigations into financial and other matters proceed for those already disrobed, now free from disciplinary offenses.