Phichit: The abbot of Wat Tha Bua Thong, Phra Khru Srirattanawichian, has been disrobed after a video clip surfaced showing him engaging in a flirtatious conversation with a female follower named Ms. Golf. In the clip, Phra Khru Srirattanawichian expressed his affection, saying, "I love you the most."
According to Thai News Agency, the incident came to light through a video call where the abbot and Ms. Golf shared teasingly romantic exchanges. During the conversation, Ms. Golf inquired whether she was the first person he loved or was involved with. The abbot replied, "Which one do you want me to say first?" The conversation carried on with Ms. Golf referring to a past interaction by saying, "Like last night," to which the abbot reaffirmed, "You're the first person. You know that. You don't have to tease me about it. And I loved you the first person too. I loved you the most and the most."
The video quickly went viral, leading reporters to visit the temple. The distinct pink decor seen in the clip, including a pink curtain and pink-painted temple structures, made it easy for locals to identify the location as Wat Tha Bua Thong. However, when reporters sought to speak with the monk, he was nowhere to be found. His living quarters were locked, and his black sedan was missing. A junior monk reported that the abbot and his vehicle were absent when he woke up.
Previously, Phra Khru Srirattanawichian had been linked to financial dealings involving Ms. Golf. Allegations surfaced about money transfers to cover her rent, which the abbot initially denied. A temple boy later revealed evidence of such transactions, stating the abbot had borrowed his account and phone for the transfers, supposedly for construction materials.
Mr. Booncherd Kittitharangkun, Deputy Director of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB), announced on Facebook that the Phichit Provincial Office of Buddhism coordinated with ecclesiastical authorities to facilitate Phra Khru Srirattanawichian's disrobing. This action was specifically related to the video call incident with Ms. Golf. The disrobing was arranged for July 17 at Wat Amprin Khuha in Phitsanulok Province.