Thailand, Chiang Mai - Drunk monks should be disrobed, say angry residents

Chang Moi residents complained to police on January 2 that a noisy party was being held at the house of a monk at Wat Chai Sri Phum, in Tambon Chang Moi.

Pol Capt Manas Theudee, deputy inspector at Muang police station, led a team of officers to the front of the temple where they heard music coming from the house of deputy abbot Pornchai Sanyapasathuno. Four monks, including Pornchai, together with a novice and two male housekeepers were dancing, and beer cans were scattered on the ground.

Officers checked the refrigerator and found 10 more cans of beer, and confiscated them, together with a karaoke stereo system, which would have to be considered entertainment from hell. The abbot was then informed. Following this, the abbot had a meeting with the temple committee and the monks concerned, and probation was agreed as it was a first time transgression.

Local inhabitants have criticized this decision heavily, saying that it was improper behavior, and the media has also covered the event extensively. One survey revealed that 95 percent of the people wanted the monks disrobed.

Pornchai has since left the monkhood of his own accord, and has gone into karaoke training.

Nopniwat Krailerg

PCT Thailand

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!