Wat snaps ties over enlightened status for jet-setting monk
Play
Ubon Ratchathani's Wat Nong Pa Pong has decided to break ties with its branch temple in France, Wat Phothiyannaram, after its abbot Phra Pankhao Yannatharo allegedly used the temple's name to ratify Wirapol Sukphol as a modern day arahant or enlightened
Wirapol was previously known as the “jet-setting monk” Luang Pu Nenkham.
Phra Pankhao also allegedly established a “Nenkham” fund to restore Wirapol’s monkhood as well as fund the setting up of a cult in the United States, Wat Nong Pa Pong’s abbot Phra Ratchapavanawikrom said.
The abbot also insisted that neither his nor any of his temple’s 100 other branches backed Phra Pankhao’s actions.
Thai authorities have called on the US to extradite Wirapol despite his claim of being granted asylum. Wirapol is wanted in Thailand for several charges, including separating a minor from her guardians, having sex with a minor, public fraud, money laundering and violating the Computer Crime Act by posting false information.
