buddhism
- Thailand News
Thailand to safeguard Buddhism from exploitation
The Government of Thailand announced a commitment to taking a proactive approach to safeguarding Buddhism, aiming to address issues before they escalate into public controversies or complaints. This marks a shift from previous strategies, where the National Office of Buddhism typically responded to problems only after they surfaced. Chousak Sirinil, a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for overseeing…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai temple halts 19-metre statue plan after public outcry
Wat Phra That Doi Kham in Chiang Mai has decided to halt its plan to build the world’s tallest Taowesuwan statue, standing at 19 metres, after facing significant opposition from locals and social media users. The revered temple, located in Mae Hia, Mueang district, had initiated a ceremony to install the giant statue’s feet, intending to provide devotees with a…
- Thailand News
Photo of tourist at Thai temple sparks online debate
A photograph posted by the well-known influencer Toffee, known as Toffee the Computer Repairing Ladyboy, sparked a heated debate online. The image, taken at the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, shows a tourist stepping on a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, leading to widespread criticism on social media. The controversy divided opinions. Some believe the foreign tourist’s behaviour is…
- Thailand News
Court dismisses lawsuit against Daily News over child protection
A court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a family against Daily News, stating the media outlet was performing its duty without intent to harm. The case concerned the protection of an eight year old child under the Child Protection Act 2005. Today, July 2, at 9.35am the Juvenile and Family Court in Surat Thani dismissed a lawsuit brought by…
- 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…
- Thai Life
The evolution of Buddhism in Thailand
Thailand’s Bhikkhu Sangha follows the Theravada discipline, similar to other Theravada communities worldwide. This has ensured uniformity in practices and beliefs and it has created a unique, rich cultural landscape. Buddhism has also shaped societal norms and values. Thai rulers often became monks, enhancing the religion’s status. This practice reflects the deep respect and commitment to Buddhism in Thai society.…
- Lifestyle
How embody the Thai working spirit
Immerse yourself in the fascinating realm of Thai working spirit, a phenomenon deeply rooted in Thai society for over a century. This isn’t a new concept, but one that has shaped the leadership and power dynamics in Thailand for generations, transforming ordinary individuals into legendary figures. In the past few decades, the practice of embodying the spirit of revered Thai…
- Thailand News
Buddhist park sign triggers online uproar with shoot to kill sign
Phutthamonthon Buddhist Park in Nakhon Pathom province near Bangkok sparked controversy on social media with a sign that displayed it would shoot visitors if they broke any park rules. The Phutthamonthon Buddhist Park is located in Nakhon Pathom near the western side of Bangkok. The place is known for being the highest-standing Buddha statue in the world. It is regularly…
- Thailand News
Thailand bans alcohol sales nationwide for Visakha Bucha Day
Immigration and various government offices will be closed at midnight tomorrow as Thailand observes Visakha Bucha Day, a significant Buddhist holiday. As Thailand’s holy occasion, the sale of alcohol is banned nationwide for the entire day. This restriction begins at midnight tomorrow and continues until midnight on Wednesday, May 22, affecting all shops, bars, and restaurants. The only exception is…
- Thailand News
Thailand assesses boy’s mental health over telepathy abilities
Thailand’s authorities are taking legal action to assess the mental health of an eight year old boy known as Nong Nice who is claimed by his parents to have telepathic abilities and a connection with Buddhist deities. The Social Development and Human Security Ministry, led by Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, is now seeking a court warrant to evaluate the child after…
- Thailand News
Mind the gap: Criticism mounts as authorities fail to rein in cult
The National Office of Buddhism and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (M-Society) are facing criticism for not taking action against a mind connection cult led by an eight year old Thai boy and his parents. The Thai couple and their son, known as the Nice Mind Connection, are facing criticism for establishing a religious cult centred on…
- 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
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
Nearly a million pay respects to Buddha relics in northern Thailand
Nearly one million devotees paid homage to the sacred Buddha relics over four days, as the revered artefacts were temporarily enshrined in Ubon Ratchathani before being transferred to Krabi province on March 14, as part of a ceremonial procession. This event marked a significant moment in Thai religious history, showcasing the deep reverence the population holds for such important symbols…
- Thailand News
National Office of Buddhism Facebook page hacked to post porn
The National Office of Buddhism (NOB) of Thailand filed a complaint with the police after its official Facebook page was hacked and flooded with porn pictures and videos. More than 80,000 Buddhist followers were shocked by the series of pornographic pictures and videos shared by the NOB. The first porn content was shared early this morning, March 6, and the…
- Thailand News
Thai foundation advocates green switch for Makha Bucha day
The Tree Planting Foundation is advocating for Thais tomorrow to make a green switch from the traditional practice of burning candles and incense sticks during the imminent Makha Bucha day candle processions. The campaign is aimed at fostering environmentally friendly merit-making customs that contribute to the expansion of green spaces in Thailand. Tawatchai Tositrakul, leading the Tree Planting Foundation, voiced…
- Phuket News
Phuket gears up for annual Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday
The bustling town of Phuket is set to observe a moment of stillness as the main Phuket Immigration Office, alongside other government establishments, prepares to halt operations for the upcoming Makha Bucha national Buddhist holiday on Monday, February 26. This sacred holiday not only brings about a day of rest for public offices but also a countrywide prohibition on alcohol…
- Thailand News
Khon Kaen Buddhism director scammed of 1.19 million baht
The director of the Office of Buddhism in Khon Kaen has fallen victim to a scam, resulting in a loss of over 1.19 million baht (US$32,973), leaving a mere 87 satang (US$0.024) in their bank account. The director, who had unknowingly sent their phone number—which was not linked to any bank—to what appeared to be a legitimate airline’s line account,…
- Thailand News
Prachinburi temples become lottery winners’ new mecca
Lottery enthusiasts are flocking to three revered temples in Prachinburi Province, following a streak of 12 first-prize lottery wins attributed to the sacred figures enshrined within. These temples have become a magnet for those seeking lucky numbers, with the faithful gathering in hopes that fortune will smile upon them in the upcoming draw. The first of the temples, Wat Pratum…
- Thailand News
Former Buddhist chief and executives charged with embezzling 30 million baht
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is set to charge a former head of the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) and two high-ranking executives with embezzling millions from temple budgets. The NACC, after green-lighting resolutions on two alleged temple embezzlement cases, is now preparing to unleash a legal storm upon the accused trio, led by ex-NOB chief Nopparat Benjawattananan. NACC Secretary-General…
- Northern Thailand News
Buddhist temple warns good people can go to hell for using life support
Wat Pa Kramathan, a famous temple in Nakhon Ratchasima, set up an educational centre to disseminate Buddhist teachings. It has installed a sign with an intriguing Buddhist message: “Doing good deeds can lead to hell.” The temple head explained the reasoning behind this unusual warning today, a condemnation of artificial medical life support. Located in the Non-Saad district of Chokchai,…
- Thailand News
Phra Ratchawacharangsi, renowned Thai monk, dies at 89 after lifetime of devotion
Thai monk and respected author Phra Ratchawacharangsi, known for creating the sacred book “Man Pithi”, has passed away peacefully at the age of 89 after 69 years of religious service. The revered figure succumbed to his illness yesterday at Bangkok Hospital. The news of Phra Ratchawacharangsi’s passing was shared on the Facebook page of Buddhist News, with followers and fellow…
- 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…
- Thailand News
Thai monk dies in sweltering heat after drunk policeman causes power outage
A drunk policeman crashed into an electric pole causing a power outage in Surin province in northeast Thailand on Thursday amid soaring temperatures. This caused problems for a Buddhist monk with a lung complaint because he was hot and couldn’t turn on his fan because of the power outage. His naked body was discovered in his room the next morning, reports…
- Thailand News
Unique ordination parade sees men tossed in air in Chaiyaphum village
Eight men embarking on a spiritual journey into the Buddhist monkhood experienced a thrilling ordination parade in Ban Non-Salao, a village in the Phu Khieo district. In the morning, the provincial governor of Chaiyaphum, Sopon Suwanrat, attended religious ceremonies at a village shrine honouring the 8 men being ordained, collectively referred to as ‘nagas.’ The day’s main attraction was a…
- 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…
- Thai Life
Thai man’s Emerald Buddha Songkran office party outfit is ‘inappropriate,’ monk says
A Thai man won 5000 baht for ‘best outfit’ at his office’s Songkran party in Udon Thani province yesterday, but a senior Buddhist monk says that dressing like the Emerald Buddha is “inappropriate.” The Emerald Buddha is a statue of the historical Buddha in a meditative pose, made out of the semi-precious stone jasper and considered the “sacred palladium of…
- Northern Thailand News
Thai monk does goal celebration after escaping military conscription (video)
A Buddhist monk ran around the room like a celebrating footballer upon drawing a black card at a military conscription draftee selection event in Nakhon Ratchasima in northeast Thailand on Sunday, meaning that he won’t be required to serve in the military. Cheers erupted from the crowd when a black card was drawn for 24 year old Phra Phuwanai Gayputsa…
- Pattaya News
Motorcyclist crashes into religious vendor stall in Pattaya, gets seriously injured
A motorcyclist was seriously injured after crashing into a religious vendor stall in Pattaya. The incident happened at 2.40am yesterday on Soi Pornprapanimit in Bang Lamung district. Rescuers rushed to the scene to find the motorcyclist, 49 year old Sakhon Nakhon native Phothong Chaitamat, lying unconscious beside his motorcycle. He was bleeding heavily, so the rescuers provided him with first…
- Thai Life
Thailand lottery winner thanks Buddha with 100 pig’s heads
A Thai lottery winner today laid out 100 pig’s heads in front of the famous 30-metre-tall Buddha statue at Wat Klang Bang Phra Temple in Nakhon Pathom province in central Thailand. The lucky winner, Panu Nawisamphan from Samut Prakan province, did not reveal how much money he won in the government lottery. Panu said his offering of 100 pig’s heads…
