Search Results for: Buddhist monk

  • Thailand News

    Buddhist monks rescue temple dog attacked with sharpened nail

    A Buddhist abbot shared distressing images of a temple dog that was cruelly attacked with a sharpened nail. The dog, found in a state of fear and exhaustion, received immediate help from the monks. A Facebook post by Phra Khru Koson Wachirakit, Deputy District Dean of Mueang Kamphaeng Phet and abbot of Wat Pradoo Lai in Kamphaeng Phet, yesterday, July…

  • Thailand News

    Thai government issuing smart ID cards to Buddhist monks

    The Thai government has begun issuing smart ID cards to over 100,000 Buddhist monks across the nation, revealed Puangpet Chunlaiad, a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. These ID cards contain crucial details about each monk’s history and are linked to the country’s citizenship database managed by the Interior Ministry. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to enhance…

  • Thailand News

    Buddhist monk Phra Phayom weighs in on ‘year brewing’ social media storm

    Renowned Buddhist monk Phra Phayom discusses the recent social media controversy over the Chinese astrological belief of year brewing. He urges people to maintain a good state of mind and to believe in karma and perseverance, citing the example of the heated debate on social media initiated by Prairie Praiwan Wannabutr. Today, reporters asked Phra, the abbot of Wat Suan…

  • Thailand News

    Thai Buddhist monk’s daily life TikTok goes viral (video)

    A video showing a day in the life of a Thai Buddhist monk went viral, garnering over 600,000 views within hours, as the TikTok vlog gained praise from netizens and increased interest in monastic life. Yesterday a Thai Buddhist monk using the TikTok handle @mek_tc posted a video blog (Vlog) offering a glimpse into the daily life of a monk.…

  • Crime News

    Disturbed Buddhist monk in Thailand adopts, kills and burns at least 18 cats

    A disturbed Buddhist monk in Thailand confessed to adopting cats via Facebook and beating them to death. Yesterday, the burned carcasses of 18 cats were dug up from behind his living quarters at a temple in Chachoengsao province. Watchdog Thailand Foundation (WDT), an animal rights charity, reported the horrific discovery of animal cruelty at the hands of an ordained Buddhist monk…

  • Thai Life

    Buddhist monk wins lottery in Thailand

    A Buddhist monk won the 6 million baht jackpot in Thailand‘s national lottery draw yesterday. He says he will spend the money on making repairs at his temple in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Phra Ajahn Praphas, a 63 year old monk residing at Wat Nong Bua in Ban Pho subdistrict of Korat’s Mueang district, won the lottery’s first prize of 6…

  • Thailand News

    Buddhist monk’s car crash meltdown in Bangkok

    Police rushed to suppress a potentially volatile incident after a Buddhist monk smashed a car and later hid in the main hall of the Lao Temple in the Bang Khun Thian district of Bangkok. A local told police that he believed the monk was out of control due to stress after learning too much online Buddhist doctrine. The monk was…

  • Northern Thailand News

    Mad Buddhist monks brawl at funeral in northeast Thailand

    Tensions were high at a funeral in Surin province in northeast Thailand on Friday when a brawl broke out between two saffron-robed Buddhist monks, allegedly over a plastic chair. Yesterday, the acting abbot of Wat Pho Sri Sawang Arom, Phra Toi Kan, told reporters what happened at the temple on Friday. In Thailand, Buddhist funeral rites include a distinctive ritual…

  • Thailand News

    English-born Buddhist monk Ajahn Jayasaro becomes Thai

    HRH the King may have bestowed Thai nationality upon famous farang Buddhist monk Ajahn Jayasaro back in 2020 but it took almost three years to get his Thai ID card. On Sunday, Phra Ajahn Jayasaro took photos for his new Thai ID card in Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeast Thailand. On March 9, 2020, King Vajiralongkorn of Thailand bestowed Thai…

  • Thailand News

    Burmese Junta spies pose as Buddhist monks & nuns in N Thailand

    Alleged spies from the Burmese junta, disguised as Buddhist monks and nuns, were among 54 Burmese people arrested at a three-storey building in Tak province in northern Thailand on Monday, according to Channel3. On Monday, police, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Mae Sot District Administrative Organisation, and Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) closed in…

  • Crime News

    Policeman poses as Buddhist monk to trick drug dealers in central Thailand

    A policeman swapped his tight, zip-up uniform for saffron robes last week in a cunning plan to lure two drug dealers to arrest in Ratchaburi province, central Thailand – but he also broke the law in doing so. Villagers in Ban Pong district complained to police that Ya Ba, a cheap version of Methenamine, was being sold at a famous…

  • Thailand News

    Buddhist monks save child from drowning in the Chao Phraya river

    Two Buddhist monks from Wat Bang Sai temple, located on the waterfront in Samut Prakan province, jumped into the Chao Phraya river on Saturday and saved a child who was drowning. Once 13 year old Khanin recovered from the incident, he explained that he was swimming with his friends when the water underneath him suddenly became very cold. He said…

  • Crime News

    Man kills Buddhist monk in a fit of anger in Lampang

    A Buddhist monk was killed last week after he spoke up about a man’s drinking habits. Villagers in Lampang found the body of 69 year old Phra Bundhit Prom-iam over the weekend in his pick-up truck. His body was decaying and “gave off a strong smell”. As police investigated the incident, evidence led them to 44 year old Sakol Pumthong who eventually…

  • Thailand News

    Buddhist office to seize sex scandal monk’s 100 million baht assets

    The National Office of Buddhism plans to confiscate assets worth over 100 million baht from the former monk involved in a group sex scandal case. A Thai couple accused the monk, later identified as Phra Ajarn O, of manipulating them and other followers into having group sex. The monk allegedly tricked them into sexual activity by claiming it would give…

  • Thailand News

    Buddhist beacon dims: Revered royal monk’s passing leaves temple in deep contemplation

    A revered royal ecclesiastical advisor has passed away, leaving the Buddhist community in mourning. Pranee Intawaso was the advisor to the head of the 14th region and assistant abbot at Wat Rai Khing, a royal temple in Nakhon Pathom. On October 7, Pranee Intawaso passed away peacefully at Sam Phran Hospital, Nakhon Pathom. The highly respected Buddhist monk, who had…

  • Thailand News

    Infamous monk Kay defrocks after directive for capture, following violation of Buddhist law (Video)

    In accordance with Buddhist law, the recent defrocking of Khanech Suchinano, also known as Kay, highlights the consequences of violating monastic discipline and the measures taken by relevant authorities. Khanech, also known as Kay, was officially defrocked following a directive for his immediate capture. He originally entered monkhood via a mass ordination programme organised by a temple. According to a…

  • Thailand News

    A monk dies in yet another day of Buddhist shame in Thailand

    A history of bad blood between two monks yesterday resulted in the death of one on yet another day of shame for the Buddhist faith. There has been an endless number of monastic scandals over the past year in Thailand involving Buddhist monks being caught engaging in inappropriate and criminal acts in violation of their monastic vows from fornication to…

  • Thailand News

    Buddhism Office says Thai Buddhists shouldn’t judge monks’ behaviour

    The director of the National Buddhism Office says it’s not for Thai Buddhists to judge the behaviour of monks, which should be left to Buddhist councils. Instead, Thai Buddhists should continue to respect monks and refrain from judging them for their misdeeds. According to a Pattaya News report, Sippaworn Kaewngam says respect for Buddhist monks is a key component of…

  • Thailand News

    Thailand’s first virtual monk targets at new generation Buddhists

    Thailand is now using artificial intelligence to spread Buddhist messages. Meet Phra Maha AI, Thailand’s first virtual monk. He’s 30 years old, but says he understands the “teenage world.” The AI abbot shares easy-to-understand doctrine in an effort to target the new generation. He just had his first interview with Thai media, telling reporters that his Thai creator and developing…

  • Thailand News

    Monk’s image on American brand shirt draws criticism from Thai Buddhists

    The American clothing brand Supreme is under fire for using an image of a revered monk as well as several Buddhist “yant” designs on a line of shirts they’re calling “Blessings Ripstop Shirt.” Thailand’s National Office of Buddhism says they plan to submit a letter to the clothing company for using the image of the well-known and respected monk without…

  • Phuket News

    VIDEO REPORT: Officials confirm high-flying monk not on Buddhist business

    PHUKET: If renowned monk Luang Pu Nenkham is in Phuket, it is not on temple business, the Phuket Gazette confirmed yesterday.Luang Pu Nenkham is wanted for questioning after being filmed on board a private jet while sporting brand-name sunglasses and a Louis Vuitton bag. Chatpawit Jinapong, Director of the Phuket branch of the National Office of Buddhism, told the Gazette…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket enforces 48-hour alcohol ban for Buddhist holidays

    Patong police announced a 48-hour ban on alcohol sales in bars and restaurants as Thailand observes the Buddhist holidays Asarnha Bucha Day and Khao Phansa this weekend. Violating the alcohol sales ban could result in up to six months in jail or a fine of up to 10,000 baht, according to the notice issued by Patong Police. Officers informed bar…

  • Thailand News

    Pattaya Buddhist Lent celebration with traditional candle procession

    The Nong Manao Community near Pattaya united to celebrate the upcoming Buddhist Lent with a traditional candle procession and offering ceremony. The event took place on Tuesday, July 16 at 9am, involving villagers, teachers, and students from Wat Sukri Bunyaram School in Nong Manao, Village No. 8, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. The actual dates for Buddhist Lent will take place…

  • Thailand News

    Thai monk’s ‘pawesome’ almsgiving captures dog lovers’ hearts

    A heartwarming scene captured the hearts of netizens as a revered monk takes his dogs on a daily boat trip for alms. The viral clip shows Chamnarn, the abbot of Wat Chinwararam Worawihan in Pathum Thani, bringing his dogs along on his morning alms rounds, capturing the affection of netizens. Chamnarn, also known as Phra Ratchasirivacharangsi, shared insights at Wat…

  • Thailand News

    Kalasin monk exposed by activist for possession of drugs and guns

    Renowned Thai social activist, in collaboration with the Kalasin police and local administration, intervened to help a young man allegedly threatened by a monk. During the investigation, police discovered firearms, methamphetamine, and marijuana in the monk’s quarters. At 2pm yesterday, July 7, at Khao Wong Police Station in Kalasin province, social activist Kanthas Phongphaiboonwetch, also known as Gun Jompalang, coordinated…

  • Thailand News

    Noise annoys: Miscarriage blamed on neighbour’s Buddhist music

    A Thai woman and her husband blamed a neighbour for her miscarriage, claiming she was stressed by the Buddhist music the neighbour played all day and night over several years in the central province of Ayutthaya. The 37 year old man, Chok, asked Channel 7 to share their story in order to reach an agreement with their neighbour. Chok stated…

  • Thailand News

    Thai monk defrocked for driving van and enjoying beach at midnight

    A Buddhist monk was defrocked after being discovered by concerned residents driving a van and enjoying seaside views at Na Jomtien Beach in Sattahip yesterday, July 2. Udom Suwankana, head of Na Jomtien Village 1, along with his assistants, inspected the beach area at 12.10am following reports of a monk in an old yellow Isuzu van. The residents questioned if the…

  • Thailand News

    Heartbreak leads to drink driving arrest of former Buriram monk

    Police charged a former Thai monk with drink driving after he was found sleeping with four cases of beer in a sedan car at Pa Kluay Intersection in the Isaan province of Buriram. The suspect claimed he drank hard because a woman tricked him into leaving his monastery before breaking his heart. A local who stumbled upon the former monk,…

  • Thailand News

    Chiang Mai monk illegally drives a car, causes intersection turmoil

    A monk from a renowned Chiang Mai temple was involved in a car accident yesterday when his Honda Civic collided with a van at a three-way intersection, resulting in injuries to two people. The incident raised questions and sparked discussions among locals about the appropriateness of monks driving cars, especially with the difficulties that arise if an accident occurs. At…

  • Thailand News

    Bangkok monk faces backlash for flaunting lavish lifestyle

    A prominent Facebook page shared a post featuring a well-known Bangkok monk flaunting a luxurious lifestyle, using two high-end mobile phones and purchasing a diamond bracelet worth 185,000 baht. Just another day and another story of a monk in Thailand subverting the simple Buddhist teachings of discipline, simplicity, and mindfulness. The post, shared yesterday, highlights the extravagant behaviours of the…