A Phnom Penh monk who posted nude clips on social media has been defrocked.

Va Sinan uploaded photos and videos of himself naked on Facebook as well as clips in which he is flashing cash and jewellery.

In a video statement yesterday, senior monks declared that Sinan had broken the rules of the faith and brought shame on the monkhood, saying the clergy had received many complaints about the monk’s actions.

“Recently, the public and the Buddhists have blamed and criticised the monk Va Sinana and his posts on Facebook, which affect the Buddha’s value and reputation,” said So Sokha, a member of a committee of senior monks.

“Now the monk recognises his actions. The monk committee has decided to defrock him. I would appeal to the public to please keep calm with this case.”

Appearing with the committee, Sinan apologised and accepted responsibility. “I agree to defrock to protect the Buddha’s reputation and safeguard the reputation of other monks.”

In the video, the senior monks called on the public not to share the offending posts, stressing one monk’s actions shouldn’t reflect on the clergy as a whole.