Disrobed Thai Monk Wiraphon Sukphon Accused of Sex with Teenager

Wiraphon as a cleric went by the name Luang Pu Nen Kham to bolster his claims to be the reincarnation of a famous miracle-performing monk.

 

BANGKOK – Wiraphon Sukphon a Thai monk who was disrobed after a videotaped private jet trip unleashed allegations of improper conduct will face arrest for sex with a minor, authorities say.

Wiraphon, who is believed to be abroad, is being sought in Thailand on suspicion of having sex with an underage girl around a decade ago while he was a monk, and of fathering a child with her.

Footage of Wiraphon, 33, and two other monks travelling in a private jet, wearing sunglasses and carrying a Louis Vuitton luxury bag, caused a scandal recently in Buddhist-majority Thailand.

“We will seek a warrant from a court Wednesday,” Department of Special Investigation chief  Tarit Pengdith said, adding that the woman is now seeking court action to prove that the former monk is the father of her son, who is now 11.

Footage of Wiraphon, 33, and two other monks traveling in a private jet, wearing sunglasses and carrying a Louis Vuitton luxury bag, caused a scandal recently in Buddhist-majority Thailand.

He has since been investigated on suspicion of an array of offenses including tax evasion, drug possession and money-laundering.

Wiraphon as a cleric went by the name Luang Pu Nen Kham to bolster his claims to be the reincarnation of a famous miracle-performing monk.

He has 41 bank accounts, according to the Department of Special Investigation.

The authorities will now seek to have those accounts and other assets frozen and to have the former monk’s passport revoked after the clergy disrobed him.

“The evidence shows Wiraphon violated Buddhist regulations by having sex with a woman. He ceased to be a monk at that time,” Phra Khru Wacharasittikhun of the monastic disciplinary team in the eastern province of Sisaket said on Saturday.