The decision was made by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s managing committee in the province after a meeting with the monk and local authorities on Saturday.

Thich Thanh Toan, abbot of the Nga Hoang Temple in Tam Dao District, was reported to have requested sexual favours from a female journalist.

He admitted committing the wrongdoings at the meeting.

The committee said Toan’s behaviours besmirched the VBS and Buddhist philosophy, and weakened people’s faith in Buddhism.

The suspension is an initial action taken against his wrongdoings, it said.

Apart from the Nga Hoang Temple, Toan was reported to be managing the Dia Nguc Temple located inside the Tam Dao National Park, which was not recognised by local authorities as a monastery.

He had received warnings from the committee for violations on construction and forest protection regulations, according to the committee. VNS