Buddhist monks are supposed to stay celibate. However the 34-year-old abbot of the Khantitham Forest Monastery is apparently married to a woman named Yupinpraethong Janthawa, and has allegedly had relationships with seven other women, according to Thailand's Department of Special Investigations (DSI).

On Friday, the abbot was accused of being a fake monk and of committing fraud by wearing monk's robes he is not entitled to. Posing and dressing as a monk is a criminal offence in Thailand.

The complaint was filed at Bangkok's Criminal Court by Luang Pu Buddha Isara, the abbot of another monastery.

He is also at the centre of a money-laundering investigation.

Police Colonel Pong-in Intarakhao claim the abbot and his associates had 41 bank accounts, mostly in his name, and that he is believed to own two houses and 13 cars and motorbikes. Much of the cash in the accounts is believed to have come from public donations to his monastery in the northeastern province of Si Saket.

While scandals involving monks taking drugs, gambling and driving around in expensive cars are not uncommon, the extent of Luang Pu Nenkham's alleged misdeeds has shocked Thailand, which has the world's largest Buddhist population.

The abbot, who claims to have walked on water, is believed to be travelling in Europe.

Nopparat Benjawatananun, the director-general of the Office of National Buddhism, warned that he must return to Thailand within the month to answer the mounting list of charges against him.
"Failure to do so would mean he accepts the accusations and harsh action will be taken against him," said Mr Nopparat.