Bangkok: Phra Payom Kalyano, the abbot of Wat Suan Kaew, has publicly condemned "Sami Choti," a monk who has been accused of theft and misconduct within the temple. Phra Payom emphasized that adherence to Buddhist precepts would have prevented such incidents.

According to Thai News Agency, Phra Ratchathammanithet, known as Phra Payom Kalyano, addressed the arrest of the former monk, "Sami Choti" or "Phra Wachirayan Wi," who was the abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan. The Crime Suppression Division police apprehended him for alleged sexual misconduct and embezzlement of temple funds. Phra Payom urged the public to recognize that while Buddha's teachings are authentic, the behavior exhibited by the accused is unacceptable. He stated that a monk engaged in such actions should not be considered a monk and likened them to a "great thief monk," stealing religious funds for personal gain.

The police have issued a warning to monks across all temples to cease any similar behaviors, as failure to do so will lead to arrest and imprisonment. Phra Payom questioned the sacredness of amulets consecrated by a monk who commits crimes, asserting that nothing is more sacred than Buddha's teachings. He criticized the focus on miracles and blessings, noting that those performing rituals often misuse money to indulge in personal desires, which leads to financial ruin.

Phra Payom highlighted that if monks adhered to the Dharma and Vinaya, which prohibits being alone with women in secluded places, such incidents would be avoided. He questioned how monks who cannot uphold these principles could possibly imbue sacred objects with power.