Viral Clip Shows Woman Confronting Abbot Over Alleged Relationships

2026-02-20 - 09:03

NONTHABURI — 20 February 2026, Viral clips circulating on social media show a woman confronting a temple abbot and naming a man identified as “Ajarn A” after allegedly discovering the abbot’s involvement with three other women. Another clip shows two women arguing, accusing each other of trying to win the abbot’s affection. Reporters visited the temple, located in Bang Kruai district of Nonthaburi province, but did not find the abbot seen in the clips. Monks at the temple said he had left for a religious retreat on 15 February. Phra Waro, a monk at the temple, said that before the abbot departed for the retreat, a senior monk had come to inquire about the incident, but no action had yet been taken. He said he did not believe the allegations were true and suggested the situation may have stemmed from a woman who owns a Buddha statue foundry and had been hired to cast statues for the temple. “They may have become close while discussing work. Whether it is as shown in the clips cannot be confirmed,” he said, adding that the abbot’s manner of speaking in the video was typical and could have related to work matters. Phra Chayaphol Silasutho, the assistant abbot, said he had not been aware of the issue until he saw senior monks holding a meeting before the abbot left for the retreat. “If he admits it is his voice, then the matter must proceed accordingly. If he does not, it must be verified,” he said. “I cannot judge whether it is his voice. He must confirm it himself. We cannot do so on his behalf, as that would amount to an accusation. We must accept the facts and follow the monastic disciplinary code.” He added that the release of the clips appeared intended to damage the abbot’s reputation, as the parties involved had refused to back down. Phra Chayaphol said he did not personally know a woman named Pong, who had visited the temple in connection with statue casting. Two other women, identified as Fah and On, sold goods and assisted with temple activities. Another woman, a Myanmar national known as Sae, had worked at the temple but had since been asked to leave to prevent further problems. A fried banana vendor, identified only as Mae, said she did not believe the abbot was involved. “I have never seen anything myself. People who come here may want money. They may quarrel and become dissatisfied, or try to discredit one another,” she said. “When the temple holds events, they all help out. I have never seen them argue. I really do not know what happened.”