Chiang Mai Buddhist Authorities Warn Monks Over Alleged Temple Parties

CHIANG MAI — Buddhist authorities in Chiang Mai have warned monks to cease allegedly holding private parties at temples during Khao Phansa, the traditional three-month rains retreat, after receiving reports of entertainment workers and alcohol being present within monks’ quarters. Khao Phansa is the traditional three-month rains retreat during which Buddhist monks remain at their temples and devote more time to religious practice. At 08:50 on Saturday, a source from an inspection committee under the Chiang Mai Provincial Ecclesiastical Office said authorities had received reports, photographs and a list of monks allegedly involved in gatherings at temples across the province. The allegations involve monks ranging from junior temple residents to abbots, according to the source. The monks were reportedly arranging late-night parties inside their living quarters and inviting entertainment workers to attend. Alcohol, including beer and spirits, was allegedly stored in refrigerators and ice boxes at the venues. The source said members of the group had shared photographs from the gatherings in private Line chats, with some images later reaching provincial ecclesiastical authorities. Some monks allegedly drove their own cars or used ride-hailing services to reach meeting points at different temples. They reportedly avoided using temple drivers because they feared information about the gatherings would be leaked. The report included detailed descriptions of vehicles allegedly used by monks from several temples. Khaosod English is withholding the names of the temples and individuals because the allegations have not been independently verified and no formal disciplinary findings have been announced. The source also alleged that an entertainment worker previously sought medical testing after becoming concerned about possible exposure to an infection following an encounter with members of the group. The worker reportedly threatened to file a complaint if the test returned a positive result. No infection was detected, however, and the matter did not proceed further. Wallop Namwongphrom, a member of the Chiang Mai Provincial Cultural Council and an adviser to the provincial monastic authorities, said Khao Phansa was traditionally a period when monks remained at their temples during the rainy season. He said some monks had nevertheless been accused of secretly leaving their temples or gathering inside monks’ quarters to hold parties. Wallop said such behaviour could amount to a minor monastic offence but remained inappropriate and damaging to public confidence. “I would like to warn monks who regularly organise parties to stop, regardless of the date or month,” he said. “If they are caught or the matter becomes public, it will cause widespread damage.” He added that Buddhism and temples were not inherently damaged by such incidents, but that individual monks brought disrepute upon themselves through their conduct. “During Khao Phansa, please stop for the sake of Buddhism,” he said. The Chiang Mai Provincial Ecclesiastical Office has not publicly released the names of the monks or temples allegedly involved. It remains unclear whether a formal investigation or disciplinary proceedings have begun. The post Chiang Mai Buddhist authorities warn monks over alleged temple parties during Khao Phansa appeared first on Khaosod English.