Drama erupts over Catholic monk haircuts in Ratchaburi church

An online drama erupted after Thai netizens raised questions about the consent of young boys who received Catholic monk haircuts for a church event in the central province of Ratchaburi.

The news Facebook page Esor News 3 shared pictures of young Thai boys in student uniforms with Catholic monk haircuts on Friday, June 7. Each boy’s head was shaved bald to the bone, with a ring of hair around the fringe, as most Catholic monks did in the past.

It was later revealed that the young boys were participants in an annual celebration of the Saint Anthony Church Donmottanoi in Ratchaburi province.

Netizens questioned the church director about whether the boys were willing to shave their heads or were forced to do so and demanded relevant officers at the church clarify the matter.

The official Facebook page of St. Anthony Church Donmottanoi addressed the issue, stating that each child willingly underwent the haircut. It was mentioned that they were also compensated for their significant roles during the ceremony.

According to the page administrators, the haircut mimicked that of the church’s patron saint, Saint Anthony of Padua. It was performed to elevate the event, with each child reverting to their preferred hairstyle after the ceremony.

The page further noted that the parents of the boys were aware of and consented to the church’s decision to carry out the haircuts.

The page stated that Catholic practices might look strange and unfamiliar to Buddhist residents in Thailand but all Catholic members were willing to share their practices and knowledge for a better understanding of people of all religions.

However, the clarification did not reduce the number of negative comments from netizens.

“Even though I am a barber, I can’t accept this hairstyle.”

“If they were my children, I would move them to a new school.”

“They are willing to do so, or just can’t resist.”

“This haircut is nothing more than the Japanese mythical creature, Kappa.”