A Buddhist monk was slammed for allegedly getting drunk and flirting with a French female tourist in Thailand.

Phra Kraiwan, 41, reportedly sidled up to the backpacker who was waiting alone at a bus terminal in Chiang Rai province.

Suspicious locals watched as the overly friendly monk allegedly leered at the female visitor before chatting her up and repeatedly touching her shoulder.

He was said to have removed his robe and draped it over her 'to keep her warm', despite the woman's visible discomfort.

Footage shows the French commuter trying to return the saffron robe to Phra Kraiwan, only for him to try and grab the white shirt wrapped around her shoulders on March 19.

Outraged villagers familiar with the local Buddhist monks' vows of celibacy later pulled the French holidaymaker aside, away from the handsy clergyman.

Onlooker Gina Warinthorn said: 'I was taking a bus back to Chiang Mai province. There was a stop at Mae Khachan station, and I saw the monk trying to hug the French woman in the middle of the terminal. Then, an officer came to stop them. The monk had no shame at all.'

Bus station staff said they were familiar with Phra Kraiwan, whom they claimed often ignored Buddhist precepts to his convenience.

Speaking to local media, the monk said he had previously been defrocked by a religious officer, but was still part of the Buddhist order 'because he did not follow the removal ceremony'.

Thai Buddhist monks over the years have faced several scandals involving financial misconduct, sexual affairs, and drug use, which have eroded public trust in the clergy.

In November 2024, a Buddhist monastery in Phichit province was raided after authorities 41 cadavers 'being used for meditation' at the site.

While in November 2022, a Buddhist temple in Phetchabun province was left empty when all of the monks were tested positive for methamphetamine.