Amid the ongoing decline in public faith toward the monastic community, the Supreme Sangha Council (SSC) convened a special meeting on July 13, 2025, under the royal command of His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, to urgently address the issue.
The meeting aimed to establish measures for dealing with monks who have committed or are accused of committing serious violations of the monastic code, classified as “Krukapatti” – serious disciplinary offenses.
The SSC passed key resolutions to resolve the matter swiftly and decisively:
Coordination with Police and Ecclesiastical Authorities:
The National Office of Buddhism (NOB) is instructed to coordinate with the Crime Suppression Division to obtain information and evidence related to monks involved in misconduct. This information will then be forwarded to the senior ecclesiastical authorities in each region, who are responsible for summoning the accused monks for investigation. If clear evidence is found, the monk must be immediately defrocked. The process must be executed swiftly and decisively.
Suspension and Removal from Position:
If a monk is found to have credible allegations of violating monastic discipline, ecclesiastical superiors may suspend the monk from duty. In cases where a monk is found guilty of a Sanghadisesa offense (a grave offense second only to expulsion), and holds a position of ecclesiastical authority or royal ecclesiastical rank, the SSC will proceed to remove the monk from their position and request royal approval to revoke their rank.
Emphasis on Responsibility of Ecclesiastical Supervisors:
All levels of ecclesiastical supervisors, including Vinaya inspectors (monastic disciplinary officers), are reminded to rigorously oversee and investigate the behavior of monks under their jurisdiction. If any misconduct is found, investigations must be initiated without delay and promptly reported to the SSC.
Formation of a Special Committee:
The SSC will request the Supreme Patriarch to establish a Special Committee for the Protection of Buddhism to review and modernize regulations related to monastic disciplinary procedures (Nikhahakamma) and investigative processes, ensuring they align with present-day realities.
Caution on Media Coverage:
In cases where no final verdict has been made—either under secular law or the monastic code—revealing names, images, or personal information of the accused may violate their rights and damage the monastic institution. Therefore, caution is strongly advised in media reporting.
Firm Stance Against Concealment:
Both the SSC and the NOB affirm that there is no policy of shielding, concealing, or distorting the truth in cases involving serious misconduct by monks. All actions will be conducted strictly in accordance with monastic discipline and the law.
In addition, the SSC recommends the government improve the structure and capabilities of the National Office of Buddhism to better support the Sangha and ensure the sustainable protection of Buddhism.
