WORLD : Monk Did It, Pregnant Thai Says
A Buddhist monk was at the center of a religious scandal today after a woman accused him, through the front pages of most Thai newspapers, of fathering her unborn child.
Buddhist monks in Thailand, where about 95% of the population is Buddhist, are not allowed to touch women.
The 24-year-old woman, Onpravina Butkhunthong, claims Phra Nikorn Dhammavadi had sex with her for two years before making her pregnant. He used to watch pornographic films, eat three meals a day and stay at her home in layman’s clothes, she told reporters.
The scandal has sparked calls from prominent monks that Phra Nikorn be expelled from the priesthood for damaging the image of Thai Buddhism.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
