Samut Sakhon: The monkhood remains unfazed as the recent buzz about a so-called 'Gang of Billionaire Nuns' has been debunked following a thorough investigation by the Buddhist Office. The accused nun addressed all allegations, confirming that they are baseless.
According to Thai News Agency, the controversy emerged yesterday when a social media page posted images of a group of nuns with stacks of banknotes, claiming the nuns were mismanaging temple funds and land. The post alleged that two nun siblings were controlling the temple without oversight, possessing large tracts of land, and benefiting from substantial donations without transparent accounting.
Today, officials, including Ms. Swat Sae Tan, Director of the Office of Buddhism in Samut Sakhon Province, and Mr. Itthithorn Seeluang, a religious scholar, visited the temple in Tambon Bang Torad, Amphoe Mueang, Samut Sakhon Province. They spoke with Mother Nun Sirinthip, who refuted the claims. She clarified that the image purportedly showing her in a wig was from 2014, not recent. Additionally, she only owns 6 rai of land adjacent to the temple, which she has already donated.
Mother Nun Sirinthip explained her past in a cosmetics company and her decision to ordain as a nun for spiritual fulfillment. She identified the source of the misinformation as another nun dissatisfied with temple leadership changes.
The Director of the Samut Sakhon Provincial Office of Buddhism confirmed the investigation's findings, noting that the temple's land holdings are significantly less than stated online and that financial records are properly maintained and submitted to the Office of Buddhism.
The temple's abbot, who learned of the allegations through others, expressed his openness to addressing any concerns and urged people to be cautious before spreading unverified information.