Luang Pu Nenkham Chattigo, the flamboyant abbot of Khantitham Forest Monastery has attracted attention ever since a video of him flying on a private jet, while wearing aviator sunglasses and carrying a Louis Vuitton bag went viral.
Buddhist monks are supposed to stay celibate. However the 34-year-old abbot of the Khantitham Forest Monastery who has fathered 2 children is apparently married to a woman named Yupinpraethong Janthawa, and has allegedly had relationships with 8 other women.
The abbot was accused of being a fake monk and of committing fraud by wearing monk’s robes he is not entitled to. Posing and dressing as a monk is a criminal offence in Thailand.
The complaint was filed at Bangkok’s Criminal Court by Luang Pu Buddha Isara, the abbot of another monastery.
The cleric is now the subject of a joint investigation by the DSI and the Office of National Buddhism, which oversees Thailand’s 200,000 monks.
He is also at the centre of a money-laundering investigation.
Police Colonel Pong-in Intarakhao claim the abbot and his associates had 41 bank accounts, mostly in his name, and that he is believed to own two houses and 13 cars and motorbikes. Much of the cash in the accounts is believed to have come from public donations to his monastery in the northeastern province of Si Saket.
While scandals involving monks taking drugs, gambling and driving around in expensive cars are not uncommon, the extent of Luang Pu Nenkham’s alleged misdeeds has shocked Thailand, which has the world’s largest Buddhist population.
The abbot, who claims to have walked on water, is believed to be travelling in Europe.
Did you know that Thailand leads the way when it comes to quality of life and a good social scene?
Thailand is the easiest place in the world for expats to make friends and have an active social life, according to the Expat Explorer survey by HSBC.
The first section of the survey ranked destinations for the expat experience they provide, in terms of quality of life, ease of setting up and integration.
In second place after Thailand was Bahrain, followed by China, the Cayman Islands and Australia.
When questioned about how easy they found it to make friends, 76 per cent of expats in Thailand said it was easy – the highest percentage in the world.
The survey was conducted by independent research company YouGov on behalf of HSBC Expat. A total of 7,004 people were quizzed via an online survey conducted between April 29 and June 11, and the sample covered more than 100 countries.
At first sight, Wat Samphran temple may look like a tourist attraction. However, nothing is further from the truth, as this unique temple is actually far off the beaten track and not included in most tourist guides.
Wat Samphran temple is unlike any temple you will find in Thailand. The building is about 17 stories tall with a giant dragon spiralling to the top. It includes many sculptures of other beasts and a giant buddha made of bronze.
Visitors have commented that there are several hidden treasures upstairs and downstairs within the temple so if you ever manage to visit the place, keep exploring!
Once inside you will find many amazing animal statues, including a giant Turtle and an awe-inspiring bronze Buddha.
If you ever plan a trip to the Wat Samphran temple, be sure to explore thoroughly as this isn’t a typical tourist destination. Maintenance is said to be lacking and while the monks are very welcoming, some parts of the temple are not open to the public.
Beware of fake Buddhist monks!
Luang Pu Nenkham Chattigo, the flamboyant abbot of Khantitham Forest Monastery has attracted attention ever since a video of him flying on a private jet, while wearing aviator sunglasses and carrying a Louis Vuitton bag went viral.
Buddhist monks are supposed to stay celibate. However the 34-year-old abbot of the Khantitham Forest Monastery who has fathered 2 children is apparently married to a woman named Yupinpraethong Janthawa, and has allegedly had relationships with 8 other women.
The abbot was accused of being a fake monk and of committing fraud by wearing monk’s robes he is not entitled to. Posing and dressing as a monk is a criminal offence in Thailand.
The complaint was filed at Bangkok’s Criminal Court by Luang Pu Buddha Isara, the abbot of another monastery.
The cleric is now the subject of a joint investigation by the DSI and the Office of National Buddhism, which oversees Thailand’s 200,000 monks.
He is also at the centre of a money-laundering investigation.
Police Colonel Pong-in Intarakhao claim the abbot and his associates had 41 bank accounts, mostly in his name, and that he is believed to own two houses and 13 cars and motorbikes. Much of the cash in the accounts is believed to have come from public donations to his monastery in the northeastern province of Si Saket.
While scandals involving monks taking drugs, gambling and driving around in expensive cars are not uncommon, the extent of Luang Pu Nenkham’s alleged misdeeds has shocked Thailand, which has the world’s largest Buddhist population.
The abbot, who claims to have walked on water, is believed to be travelling in Europe.
Source – http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=52,11515,0,0,1,0#.Up69c8QW2So
Did you know that Thailand leads the way when it comes to…
Did you know that Thailand leads the way when it comes to quality of life and a good social scene?
Thailand is the easiest place in the world for expats to make friends and have an active social life, according to the Expat Explorer survey by HSBC.
The first section of the survey ranked destinations for the expat experience they provide, in terms of quality of life, ease of setting up and integration.
In second place after Thailand was Bahrain, followed by China, the Cayman Islands and Australia.
When questioned about how easy they found it to make friends, 76 per cent of expats in Thailand said it was easy – the highest percentage in the world.
The survey was conducted by independent research company YouGov on behalf of HSBC Expat. A total of 7,004 people were quizzed via an online survey conducted between April 29 and June 11, and the sample covered more than 100 countries.
Source – http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/before-you-go/10414584/The-top-spots-for-making-friends-getting-rich-and-raising-kids.html
This mysterious temple is almost unknown and off the beaten track…
At first sight, Wat Samphran temple may look like a tourist attraction. However, nothing is further from the truth, as this unique temple is actually far off the beaten track and not included in most tourist guides.
Wat Samphran temple is unlike any temple you will find in Thailand. The building is about 17 stories tall with a giant dragon spiralling to the top. It includes many sculptures of other beasts and a giant buddha made of bronze.
Visitors have commented that there are several hidden treasures upstairs and downstairs within the temple so if you ever manage to visit the place, keep exploring!
Once inside you will find many amazing animal statues, including a giant Turtle and an awe-inspiring bronze Buddha.
If you ever plan a trip to the Wat Samphran temple, be sure to explore thoroughly as this isn’t a typical tourist destination. Maintenance is said to be lacking and while the monks are very welcoming, some parts of the temple are not open to the public.