A Phnom Penh-based monk has scandalized local authorities with his lifestyle, which

they say is far from the Buddhist doctrines of modesty and simplicity.

The Khmer Ideal newspaper reported that the 30-year-old monk had forgone life in

the pagoda and had moved into a house with his pregnant 20-year-old wife. He travels

with four bodyguards and has recently changed his car from a red to a black Camry

which carries an RCAF badge saying it is "general staff 2000".

What most upsets the authorities is that when he runs short of money he returns to

the pagoda for a stint of begging.