SURIN - Villagers have urged political leaders to take action against the deputy abbot of a temple who allegedly is involved in the sexual abuse of a novice, and misuse of donations.
Villagers lodged a complaint at the Ban Nong Lek Tambon Administration Organisation (TAO) against Phra Chalard Nipgo of Wat Ban Nong Lek in Srikhoraphum district, alleging "inappropriate behaviour" by the monk.
A 13-year-old novice monk told villagers that the senior monk had touched him inappropriately, and accused him ot doing the same to other young monks at the monastery, on several occasions.
The complaint also alleged that the deputy abbot has become notorious locally for other misbehaviour, including the general problem of "stirring up conflict among the people".
Boontham Juengwichit, a villager, accused the monk of using donated money to purchase a pickup truck, without consulting the townspeople.
The villagers submitted formal complaints to district and provincial authorities on May 31, but said they had not heard back, and so decided to escalate their accusations.
Phra Chlard told reporters on Tuesday that his conflicts with local people stemmed from differing political beliefs, and denied he was the cause of disagreements.
He explained that the pickup truck purchase was decided by the temple's committee and treasurer, and the vehicle was not meant for his personal use. He denied any sexual abuse took place.
Komsan Yodwichitpaisarn, chief of the tambon administration organisation, urged the Buddhism Provincial Office to quickly step in and resolve the problem.