Search Results for: monks
- News
Buddhist monks complete 3,700km peace walk across the U.S.
After 108 days and more than 3,700 kilometres on foot, a group of Theravada Buddhist monks concluded their cross-country “Walk for Peace” with a quiet but powerful arrival in Washington, D.C., yesterday, February 10. Beginning in late October 2025, from Fort Worth, Texas, the monks trekked through nine states to spread a message of compassion, unity, and inner peace. Clad…
- Thailand News
Buddhist council bans monks from acting as lottery seers
Thailand’s Sangha Council has reiterated its ban on monks acting as lottery fortune tellers, warning that the practice breaks religious discipline and the law. The reminder comes amid growing concern over monks engaging in inappropriate activities, with recent cases involving even senior clergy members. Officials said these actions not only undermine Buddhist principles but also erode the faith of devotees.…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya monks slammed for loitering at markets for alms
Pattaya’s bustling markets are under scrutiny after officials found monks standing outside shops and food stalls waiting for alms, behaviour critics say undermines the sanctity of Buddhist practice. The inspections, led by Bang Lamung District Chief Officer along with subdistrict monks and local agencies, followed complaints that monks were abandoning their traditional morning alms rounds, known as pindapata. Instead of…
- Crime News
Drug crackdown in Suphan Buri sees monks defrocked, detained
Yesterday, August 25, a drug crackdown in Dan Chang district, Suphan Buri, resulted in five monks and a temple painter being defrocked and detained. This action followed complaints from locals about drug use among monks at two temples in the area. District chief Phan Suksawaeng directed district security officer Phisut Santinakh to lead the operation, which involved local administrative officials…
- Crime News
Monks defrocked after drug tests in Taphan Hin temples
Today, August 12, a coordinated operation involving the local administration and Taphan Hin police targeted two temples to conduct drug tests on monks. Five monks were found with positive results for drugs and have been defrocked and sent for rehabilitation. Thaneya Naipinit, Governor of Phichit province, initiated this drug crackdown and temple reform. Suphot Rattanarungruang, district chief of Taphan Hin,…
- Thailand News
Surat Thani temple abbot found with drugs, monks defrocked
The abbot of a well-known temple in Surat Thani, along with other monks, tested positive for drugs following a raid in which drug paraphernalia was discovered. The Office of National Buddhism immediately defrocked them, and legal proceedings are underway. Amorn Chuachu, the district chief of Koh Samui in Surat Thani province, led a team of administrative officers in collaboration with…
- Phuket News
Thai monks busted at Phuket temple for meth use
A Phuket temple has been rocked by scandal after three monks and two workers were caught using methamphetamine (meth) during a surprise drug raid. Cherng Talay Police, acting on a formal complaint, swooped on Wat Cherng Talay in Thalang at 2pm yesterday, August 7, in a joint operation with the Phuket Provincial Office of Buddhism, Thalang district officials, public health…
- Thailand News
Holy scandal! Monks caught with robes down in Miss Golf romp
A saucy scandal involving 11 randy monks and a mystery woman known only as Miss Golf has sent shockwaves through Thailand’s Buddhist community and now the country’s top clerics are scrambling to clean up the mess. Thailand’s Sangha Supreme Council (SSC) is forming a special committee to review monastic regulations in the wake of a sex scandal that’s left the…
- Thailand News
Thai woman admits having relationships, children with monks
A Thai woman confessed to having romantic relationships with several monks and even having children with some of them. She was also found to have been romantically involved with politicians and wealthy men. The widely respected abbot of Tri Thotsatheo Temple in Bangkok, Arch, unexpectedly left the monkhood in June at a temple in the northeastern province of Nong Khai,…
- Thailand News
Thailand Video News | Thailand denies British teen’s drug trafficking allegations, Thai woman at centre of scandal involving multiple senior monks
In Thailand, a British teen’s brush with a life-threatening illness and a shocking wildlife station attack highlight the importance of traveler awareness and environmental enforcement. Meanwhile, scandals involving senior monks, a viral pedestrian accident, and the Thai lottery’s accessibility to foreigners capture public attention. Beyond Thailand, we look at North Korea’s growing military support for Russia, Indonesia’s potential extradition agreement…
- Thailand News
Thai woman allegedly engages in romantic relationships with 3 senior monks
A Thai woman, who reportedly caused a respected abbot to leave the monkhood, allegedly had romantic relationships with three other senior monks. Officers from the Anti-Corruption Division of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) confirmed that the sudden departure of Arch, the abbot of Bangkok’s Tri Thotsathep Temple, was linked to a love scandal involving a Thai woman identified only as…
- Thailand News
Temple raid: Monks busted for meth use in central Thailand
Two young monks in Phetchaburi province have been arrested for consuming methamphetamine inside a temple’s monk quarters. The incident, which has left the local community stunned, occurred yesterday, July 1, when police in Khao Yoi district, in collaboration with local officials, raided the temple after receiving intelligence reports about the monks’ involvement in drug use. The operation was led by Police…
- Pattaya News
Cambodian monks disrobed in Pattaya for breaching Buddhist rules
Three Cambodian monks were stripped of their saffron robes in Pattaya after locals complained they had broken traditional Buddhist rules. The incident unfolded when the trio was spotted on the notorious Walking Street, a vibrant nightlife hub, late at night, begging for food – a clear violation of Buddhist practice. Buddhist monks are traditionally permitted to ask for food only…
- Pattaya News
2 Foreign men give Pattaya monks a lift and get blessings in return
Two foreign motorcyclists went viral on Thai social media after a TikTok video showed them offering a ride to two Thai monks in Pattaya. The monks rewarded them with gifts for their kindness. The TikTok user @tubs096 shared a video of himself and his friend giving the monks a lift. In the video, the TikToker could be heard saying, “Just…
- Thailand News
Foreign TikToker goes viral for innocent mistake with Thai monks
A foreign man went viral on Thai social media for his TikTok video featuring an innocent mistake with two Thai monks at an airport in Thailand. The TikTok account @thibo_fockenoy shared a video of him requesting to take a picture with two Thai monks at the airport last week. The foreign man captioned the video, “Very loving people, though. #thailand…
- Thailand News
Holy smokes! Runaway monks in love go from robes to rogues
Police arrested two former monks fleeing from a temple in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen to the central province of Ratchaburi after their secret relationship was exposed and were implicated in operating an embezzlement scheme and a mule account. Locals in the Ban Haet district of Khon Kaen contacted highway police and reported that two monks, 24 year old…
- Thailand News
‘I just wanted to try it’: Udon Thani monks found positive for meth
Police conducted a surprise raid on a well-known temple in Udon Thani, apprehending five monks after they tested positive for methamphetamine (meth) use. Prompted by local complaints over the monks’ inappropriate behaviour, officials took decisive action. This operation took place after locals reported the monks’ behaviour to the Damrongtham Centre in Mueang Udon Thani district. The monks were allegedly involved…
- Thailand News
Monks escape Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima temple fire
A dramatic fire outbreak at a renowned temple in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, prompted monks and novices to flee for their lives in the dead of night yesterday. Firefighters deployed four fire engines to combat the blaze, which was finally subdued after over an hour. The extent of the damage remains unassessed. The incident occurred at 10.30pm yesterday,…
- Thailand News
Monks under ‘charm’ fire for selling Moo Deng amulets
A wave of drama unfolded when Thai monks from a temple in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri introduced Moo Deng amulets, sparking concern among residents. Locals worry that these charms could make people excessively gullible. The pygmy hippo Moo Deng has become a sensation among Thais and foreigners alike. Moo Deng has drawn thousands of visitors to the…
- Thailand News
Temple turmoil: Monks clash in a not-so-holy ‘axe-ident’ in Nakhon Pathom (video)
Two Thai monks engaged in a violent holy altercation at Don Khanak Temple in the central province of Nakhon Pathom yesterday. One of them suffered serious injuries after suffering two axe blows to the head. Officers from Mueang Nakhon Pathom Police Station were alerted to the physical altercation at the temple at around 10.30am yesterday, October 27. Upon investigation, police…
- Thailand News
Unholy muddle: Monks caught in naughty habits in defrock shock
Police officers and a village head raided a monk’s quarters, resulting in the defrocking of two monks for engaging in drug use, drinking alcohol, and having an illicit affair with a local man’s wife. The raid occurred after receiving complaints and evidence of inappropriate behaviour. The search took place at a temple in Lahan Sai district, Buriram province yesterday, October…
- Thailand News
Thai Airways rolls out discounts for students, seniors, and monks
Thai Airways (THAI) is rolling out jaw-dropping discounts for select travellers, making it the perfect time to pack your bags and fly for less. The national carrier just announced special fares for students, senior citizens, and religious travellers, with massive savings on both domestic and international flights. But hurry, the sale ends on September 30. Students under 25 can now…
- Bangkok News
Bangkok temple raid reveals drug use among monks and residents
Police conducted a raid at a prominent temple in the Khlong Sam Wa district of Bangkok, uncovering drug use among monks and temple residents. Eight monks and 12 laypersons tested positive for drugs, and 16 voluntarily sought drug rehabilitation. The raid occurred yesterday, August 9, spearheaded by Phanurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), in…
- 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
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
Monks’ wild antics: Sanctuary showdown ends in poaching arrest
Ongoing tales of monks behaving badly continue, this time in the Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary in northeastern Thailand, as two Buddhist monks, Phra Maha Montri and novice Atikhun Maneewong, were apprehended for allegedly engaging in wildlife poaching. They were released on bail on Saturday, with their relatives acting as guarantors. The arrest took place on Thursday, punctuating ongoing investigations into…
- 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…
