Villagers Demand Action Against Abbot's Misconduct

Recently, a large group of villagers in the Muang district of Songkhla gathered to demand the expulsion of an abbot due to his inappropriate behavior. The abbot, who is nearly 70 years old, allegedly invited female followers to his monk's quarters under inappropriate circumstances, leading to outrage among the community. Witnesses have come forward detailing incidents where the abbot engaged in improper discussions with women in private settings. Alarmed by the abbot's actions, the villagers promptly reported the situation to the Buddhist Office for an investigation. Subsequently, the abbot admitted to the allegations as he was confronted by community members about his actions, particularly during the end of the Buddhist Lent, a time when the community has the authority to take action against misconduct. The issues raised are not only a concern for the local population but also cast a shadow over the broader Buddhist community, raising questions about accountability and ethical behavior among religious leaders.