Nakhon Ratchasima affirms 90% of local temples free from liquor

Nakhon Ratchasima affirms that more than 90 percent of temples in theprovince are certified liquor free, in accordance with 2007 provincial policy.

The Nakhon Ratchasima governor, Mr. Somboon Ngamrak (สมบูรณ์ งามลักษณ์), said that local merit makers conducting robe-presentation ceremony to monks at local temples should perform their religious activities with a pure mind. Mr. Somboon urged that merit makers refrain from associating liquor with religious ceremonies, due to the violence inducing effect of alcohol. The governor said that merit makers should also adhere to the 5 Buddhist principles.

The Nakhon Ratchasima governor added that the province has initiated a liquor free campaign in temple areas in all districts as part of its 2007 policy.

Assessment revealed that more than 90 percent of temples in the province are now free from liquor.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 February 2007

No wonder the popularity of Buddhism is on the wane. When I was a kid at church they incorporated booze into the ceremony by saying it was the blood of the son of the creator god and everyone would line up to drink the "blood" (booze) out of shot glasses at the front of the church. Now that's religion!