Thai temple abbot defrocked after affair with 6 women exposed in brawl video

A prominent Buddhist abbot in Thailand has been forced to disrobe and vanished after a scandal involving multiple women erupted, sparked by a viral video of two women fighting over him outside his temple.

The abbot of Wat Bua Kwan in Nonthaburi province, identified only as "Ajarn A," was accused of maintaining long-term relationships with at least six women, according to Thai media reports Khaosod and TOP NEWS.

The scandal began with footage showing a woman named Pong, who claimed to be the abbot's primary partner, physically confronting another woman near the temple. Pong accused the other woman of having an affair with the abbot, revealing she had found explicit messages on his phone and evidence of regular money transfers.

Following the initial exposure, media investigations uncovered that the abbot had allegedly been involved with four other women, including a Buddha image foundry owner, two female temple volunteers, and a former Myanmar employee.

Reports suggest the abbot lavished funds on his mistresses, financing a hair salon for one and expensive plastic surgery for four others. The women reportedly sent intimate photos to the abbot in exchange for money when in need.

A senior monk from another temple criticized the abbot for行为 that brought shame to Buddhism, warning devotees to maintain discernment in their faith.

The National Office of Buddhism intervened on Monday, and the abbot participated in a defrocking ceremony on Tuesday. According to fellow monks, he left only with the words "take care of the temple for me" before disappearing.

Authorities are now investigating the temple's finances to determine whether temple funds were misused to support the women.