After a fire gutted the abbot's quarters at a Buddhist temple in Sikhiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima on Sunday, investigators reported finding pornographic material and a sex toy among the charred ruins - a claim that locals are firmly disputing.
The fire on Sunday happened while the abbot, Phra Khru Weera Thammaruchi, was away attending a religious ceremony.
Initially, authorities said a faulty socket probably caused a short circuit. During the post-fire inspection, officials recovered several damaged items from the debris, including what were described as porn magazines and a female sex toy.
The temple grounds remained quiet on Monday, the burnt-out abbot's quarters cordoned off with police tape. The abbot was again absent. Junior monks said he was away on personal business.
However, some residents were vocal in their support for the abbot, questioning the allegations.
One woman said the allegations were simply out of character. "He is a quiet, simple man, someone the community loves dearly," she said.
Another resident echoed those doubts, describing the abbot as a well-regarded young monk with no history of misconduct.
The police investigation into the cause of the blaze was continuing.
