Search Results for: monks
- Thailand News
Monks left waiting after fake invitations spark outrage in Chon Buri
A Facebook user named Thamumjaree Sukset recently posted a message condemning an individual who had invited monks from two different temples to perform religious ceremonies but then failed to follow through, leaving the monks waiting in vain. The incident has sparked criticism and calls for accountability. A reporter yesterday visited Wat Samnakbok in Chon Buri province to investigate the situation.…
- Thailand News
Fake monks cause a holy ruckus at private firm in Pathum Thani
A report from a private company in Nong Suea, Pathum Thani, prompted an investigation into a group of men dressed as monks who had been gathering at the company’s private location. The Pathum Thani Office of Buddhism received the complaint and coordinated with relevant agencies to conduct a field inspection at the 20-rai location. During the inspection, more than 27…
- Thailand News
Two monks elevated to Deputy Supreme Patriarchs of Thailand
The Thai monastic community recently witnessed a significant elevation in the ranks of its members with the royal proclamation bestowing high ecclesiastical titles upon two distinguished monks. The announcement, which took place yesterday, and was published today, in the Royal Gazette, marks a momentous occasion in the current era of King Rama X, which began in 2016. The two venerable…
- Thailand News
Thai lottery draw nears: Seekers turn to monks, plates, and tears
A diversity of auspicious numbers has emerged as the May 2 Thai lottery draw approaches. Enthusiasts and fortune seekers are eager to discover which numbers will bring luck, with suggestions pouring in from various sources, including revered monks, car number plates, and even the shapes formed by candle tears in holy water. In one instance, the candle wax tears that…
- Thailand News
Thai monks implicated in illicit wildlife sanctuary encroachment
Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary officers yesterday unveiled a case of alleged illicit encroachment involving monks from a highly revered temple in Chaiyaphum. The monks and their accomplices are suspected of violating the sanctity of the wildlife sanctuary’s protected grounds. The Suomi NPP satellite pinpointed 14 hotspots in a forest located in Nong Bua Daeng, Chaiyaphum on Tuesday. Responding swiftly, the…
- Thailand News
Buddhism Office probes monks over ‘Mind Connection’ cult claims
A controversial spiritual practice in Thailand, dubbed the “Mind Connection” technique, has prompted an investigation by the National Office of Buddhism (NOB). The director of the NOB, Intaporn Jantaeiam, recently announced a legal pathway to take action and initiated a probe into two monks whose images appeared at an event related to this practice. The case came into the spotlight…
- Thailand News
Laotian monks harassed by Thai ladyboy during pilgrimage (video)
A Thai ladyboy is facing a backlash after she persistently offered sex to two Laotian monks and one of their male followers on a pilgrimage in the central province of Nakhon Sawan. The Laotian monk, Lin Sujitto, was visiting a temple in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat to speak to Thai Buddhists before the unfortunate approach. Lin and…
- Thailand News
Monks’ brawl during ceremony sparks debate in Surat Thani (video)
A fight broke out between two monks in Surat Thani during a religious ceremony at a family’s home, shocking the household and sparking widespread online debate. The incident, captured on video and shared on Facebook by a user named ซัน บุญเลี้ยง, shows the monks exchanging blows in an unexpected turn of events during what was supposed to be a peaceful…
- Thailand News
Two monks defrocked for misconduct in Thailand
Two senior monks, one aged 70 and another 60, were defrocked following complaints of inappropriate behaviour. Luang Pi Namfon, from the local Buddhist office, led the intervention after reports of the monks not residing at their temples and engaging in activities unbecoming of their monastic vows surfaced. Luang Pi Namfon today, February 16, accompanied by a deputy, coordinated with the…
- Thailand News
2 gay Thai monks reportedly trick Mor Lam singer into threesome
A Mor Lam folk singer took to social media to accuse two gay monks in the Isaan province of Udon Thani of trying to trick him into a threesome. The Thai singer, 34 year old Trikawin Khamho, shared the story of the two monks on Facebook on January 16. His post was picked up by several news agencies making the story…
- Thailand News
Monks’ misconduct: Temple faces complaint for dog abuse in southern Thailand
Tha Sala District Livestock Office filed a complaint against an abbot and monks at Jan Por Temple in the Tha Sala district in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat for physically abusing a dog. The dog was seriously injured and may lose its sight. Twitter user @whathappenMr shared a video of three monks and another man beating a black…
- Thailand News
Monks reveal details on vicious elephant attack in West Thailand
Details have emerged regarding a fatal elephant attack that occurred on January 23 in the Sri Sawat district of Kanchanaburi. Reports flooded in when a village head received alarming news from locals that the lifeless body of 50 year old Phra Maha Bancha, a monk on a spiritual journey, had fallen victim to a brutal elephant attack. The gruesome scene unfolded…
- South Thailand News
Bangladeshi nationals disguised as monks arrested in Thailand
Seven Bangladeshi nationals, masquerading as Buddhist monks to bypass immigration scrutiny, were apprehended yesterday in the southern province of Songkhla, Thailand. The arrest was a collaborative operation between Songkhla immigration officers and Hat Yai tourist police, following an anonymous tip-off. The men, who had shaven their heads and donned monk robes in their attempts to blend in and evade the…
- China News
Monks with luxury backpacks ignite debate over wealth and religion
Two posh monks were spotted at an airport carrying luxury brand backpacks, causing a stir on social media. The high price of these accessories, which are out of reach for most ordinary people, but seemingly affordable for the monks, has left many in shock. The recent images shared on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, sparked intense online debate. The two…
- Thailand News
Snake charms monks: Unusual temple encounter in northern Thailand
In an unusual incident, over 500 monks peacefully gave way to a green snake that slithered into their temple meeting, ultimately cohabiting the space until the gathering’s conclusion in northern Thailand. The intriguing episode unfolded in a shared clip on social media at the Wat Jampa Temple in the Prakhon Chai district of Buriram province. The monks were convening for…
- Thailand News
Unholy exodus: Monks, novices, and altar boy expelled for unveiling corrupt abbot
Eight monks, along with novices and an altar boy were expelled from the Saeng Tham Khiri Monastery after they exposed the cloister’s corrupt abbot. As a result, they find themselves homeless, embarking on a directionless journey in Chachoengsao, located in south-central Thailand. Sympathetic locals residing in the Panom Sarakham district of Chachoengsao implored the Thai media to assist the Buddhist…
- South Thailand News
Roadside bomb injures monks and rangers in South Thailand
A roadside bomb blast in the Rueso district of South Thailand‘s Narathiwat province injured three monks and two volunteer rangers yesterday morning. The explosion took place near an agricultural equipment shop in tambon Rueso Ok at around 6.25am, as a white van carrying the monks from Wat Phairot Pracharam passed by. The monks were in the area to collect alms,…
- Thailand News
Nakhon Ratchasima hosts 11-day grand Vesak celebration with renowned Thai monks
Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeast Thailand is set to hold an 11-day grand event to celebrate Vesak Week, featuring the veneration of holy relics from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. The celebration, starting today, coincides with the 555th anniversary of Nakhon Ratchasima City and will take place at MCC Hall on the third floor of The Mall. Attendees will have…
- Northern Thailand News
Drunk as a monk: Intoxicated Thai monks defrocked after selling temple items
In northeast Thailand’s Nong Bua Lamphu province, two intoxicated monks were defrocked after testing positive for high levels of alcohol consumption. The monks were also accused of selling temple-owned items without permission. Concerned locals alerted the Mueang Nong Bua Lamphu Police about the monks’ behaviour on a recent Tuesday. The police, accompanied by around 20 frustrated residents, visited the temple…
- Eastern Thailand News
Thai man saves python from cooking pot, offers it to monks
A Thai man saved a 3-metre long python from being cooked and decided to offer it to monks at the Kode Thim Tharam temple in the eastern Rayong province. However, the monks declined the offer due to inappropriate conditions for the snake at the temple. Today at 7am, Prasert Linsamphan brought a python named ‘Nong Jiji’ to the Kode Thim…
- Thailand News
3 illegal Cambodian monks found living in Samut Prakan forest
Authorities in Samut Prakan province recently apprehended three Cambodian nationals dressed in monk-like attire, living in a makeshift shelter in a forest near a local market. The raid took place on May 21, led by Pol Lt Col. Phakphumpiphat Sajjaphan, Chief of the Immigration Police, and Pol Lt Col Waritsiri Lelasiri, Head of Subdivision 3. The operation aimed to investigate…
- 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…
- Crime News
Monks on drugs: two monks busted at abandoned Phuket hotel
For the umpteenth time in Thailand, monks have been busted for having a little too much fun. Two monks were found at an abandoned Phuket hotel on Tuesday, with both testing positive for illegal drugs. A village headman and a head monk found the monks at the abandoned hotel in the Thalang district. The monks were originally from a temple…
- Thailand News
Police ordain as monks to pray for Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha
Police officers and local men ordained as monks at Bang Phlee Yai Klang Temple in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok yesterday to make merit and pray for the recovery of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati. In total, 49 police officers and local men took part in the ordination ceremony. The group will observe 227 rules for monks outlined…
- Crime News
Raid finds all monks on drugs in Phetchabun temple
Monks behaving badly has become a common trend in Thailand. Reports of monks stealing cars, fighting, and sneaking out for booze and sex have been increasing in recent months. One temple was found to be inhabited by illegal Cambodian immigrants posing as monks and soliciting cash donations to buy drugs. Now one small temple in Phetchabun has been left empty…
- Crime News
Fake monks solicit cash donations for drug money
In Rayong province, police raided a temple where Cambodian border hoppers were impersonating monks to collect money for drugs. Five fake monks were arrested at Wat Khao Bo Thong in the Klaeng district yesterday morning. Many others fled and got away. Residents became suspicious of the monks at the temple when they refused traditional alms like food and water and…
- Thailand News
Northern floods tragedy – Monks unable to help
Waist-high water flooded into riverfront neighbourhoods after the remains of Hurricane Noru dumped a heavy load of rain and knocked down trees. The heaviest rainfall, about 22 centimetres in 24 hours, was recorded in the north-eastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, where more than 5,000 people were moved to shelters on higher ground. In Chai Nat province, Buddhist monks made their…
- Northern Thailand News
Should monks be fit? Pics of monks in gym stir online anger
Some buff Buddhist monks doing reps in robes have gone viral as images of them working out in a gym caused an uproar on the Internet. The photos were posted yesterday on the Buddhist News Facebook page by a man who refers to himself as an abbott and claimed he invited residents of his temple to get some exercise. “I…
- 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
2 fake monks make up to 40k baht per day scamming villagers in northern Thailand
Police arrested two men dressed up in orange robes at a market in Tak province, northern Thailand, yesterday morning. The “monks” were walking around the market asking for donations from merchants and customers. Locals said the pair have been at it for years. At 9am, officers from Wang Chao Police Station received a call that “monks” were walking around a…
