Monk at Center of Scandal Accused of Affair with Villager's Husband; Father Insists Son Was Framed, Vows Lifelong Ordination
A 30-year-old monk accused of an affair with a villager's husband fled his temple in Yasothon province before authorities could question him further. The monk's father maintains his son was framed and intended lifelong ordination, while the
A monk accused of having an affair with a villager's husband has left the community, devastating neighbors and relatives who refuse to believe the allegations. The case surfaced through a social media page after a woman from Prachuap Khiri Khan province revealed that her 23-year marriage collapsed when she discovered her husband's relationship with a Buddhist monk. Wat Bung temple in Nakhon Ratchasima issued a statement clarifying that the monk in question was not a permanent member of their temple but merely a visiting student monk who later moved to Wat Hong Kham in Yasothon province.
When journalists visited Wat Hong Kham on May 4, they found that Phra Pornchai, 30, had already fled the temple the previous evening. Deputy abbot Phra Thong Thongchai, 52, confirmed that Phra Pornchai had disrobed and left around 4 PM on May 3 after authorities questioned him about the allegations. Phra Pornchai acknowledged knowing the woman's husband from before his ordination but denied the affair claim, insisting their communication was purely sibling-like in nature.
Journalists later visited Phra Pornchai's family home but found only his relatives present. His father, Khun Un, expressed shock and disbelief, stating his son was a good and honest person who intended to remain ordained for life. Neighbors also spoke in his defense, describing him as virtuous and sincere. His father believes his son has been falsely accused and noted that after disrobing, Phra Pornchai had already left the village. The family maintains that he was a dedicated practitioner who studied diligently and helped others throughout his time as a monk.
