Bangkok, Thailand – As Thailand marks the the Asalha Puja and Khao Phansa holiday weekend, a major scandal involving a former senior monk has cast a shadow over Thailand’s Buddhist community.
Phrathep Wachirapamok, also known as Chaokhun Arj, the former abbot of Wat Tri Thotsathep in Bangkok, abruptly left the monkhood on June 27, 2025, and fled to Laos amid allegations of an illicit relationship and potential embezzlement of temple funds.
The controversy centers on Chaokhun Arj’s relationship with a woman known as “Golf,” who allegedly received nearly one million baht from the ex-abbot to keep their relationship secret. Following his departure from the monkhood in Nong Khai and flight across the border, authorities launched an investigation into Wat Tri Thotsathep’s financial records to probe possible misappropriation of temple funds. The Anti-Corruption Division of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) are examining whether temple assets were transferred to Golf, which could lead to embezzlement charges against both parties.
A police raid on Golf’s Nonthaburi residence uncovered five mobile phones and over 10 monk robes, with forensic analysis revealing a staggering 80,000 images and videos documenting sexual acts involving multiple monks. Eight monks, including high-ranking abbots and assistant abbots, were identified in the explicit content, some filmed while wearing robes. On July 9, four senior monks were disrobed: the chief monk of Phitsanulok Province, the abbot of Wat Phra Phutthachai in Saraburi, the assistant abbot of Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen in Bangkok, and the assistant abbot of Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan in Chachoengsao.
Further investigations revealed that Golf had long-standing relationships with multiple monks, some allegedly resulting in children, one of whom was registered under a relative’s name. Golf confessed to receiving significant payments from Chaokhun Arj and admitted to losing millions through online gambling, forcing her to sell three homes and luxury cars to settle debts.
Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the CIB, has ordered a thorough probe into both the sexual misconduct and financial irregularities. The scandal, which has led to the disrobing of at least eight monks, has sparked widespread calls for reform within Thailand’s Buddhist monastic community.
Photos: Stock photos of Thai Law Enforcement.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
