Bangkok monk faces backlash for flaunting lavish lifestyle

[webfact]

 

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 monk, who serves as a secretary at a famous temple in central Bangkok.

 

Details of the monk’s indulgences include using two expensive mobile phones simultaneously and dining at a shabu restaurant. The post also shows the monk enjoying drinks at a popular coffee shop and completing bank transactions involving tens of thousands of baht, captioning the moments with comments such as ‘feeling lonely.’

The most controversial part of the post, however, is an image of a receipt showing the purchase of a Cartier diamond bracelet for 185,000 baht. The receipt reveals that the monk used a credit card to buy the luxurious item, which has sparked significant criticism for its perceived impropriety.

According to Cartier’s official website, the bracelet in question appears to be a small Juste un Clou model in rose gold, adorned with 20 brilliant-cut diamonds. This matches the details on the receipt, confirming the authenticity of the costly purchase.

 

The post has ignited widespread discussion online, with many questioning the appropriateness of such lavish spending by a monk. Critics argue that the monk’s actions are contradictory to the principles of modesty and humility traditionally associated with monastic life.

 

Some commentators criticised the monk’s behaviour, stating that embracing such luxuries contradicts the teachings of Buddha, and adding that monks should instead set an example of simplicity and spirituality.

 

The controversy also prompted discussions about the broader issue of materialism within the monastic community.

 

Despite the backlash, some argue that the monk’s expenditures should not be subjected to public scrutiny. They contend that everyone, including monks, has the right to privacy and personal choice.

 

This incident has undoubtedly stirred a significant debate about the intersection of religious life and material wealth. It remains to be seen how the temple and religious authorities will respond to the growing calls for action.

 

by Ryan Turner

Image courtesy of Facebook

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-20

 

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[Gottfrid]

8 minutes ago, webfact said:

Despite the backlash, some argue that the monk’s expenditures should not be subjected to public scrutiny. They contend that everyone, including monks, has the right to privacy and personal choice.

No, not according to Buddhist teaching.

[brianthainess]

See begging does pay big money. Follow the money trail. 

[2baht]

Bob, Bob Smith? That's not you, is it?

[Bert got kinky]

 

How much money does a temple secretary earn?

I understand that monks do receive donations but some of these 'famous' monks seem to have enough of a fortune in their coffers to offer them a very lavish lifestyle.

Also, why do these opulent monks need diamond bracelets, Gucci/Christian Dior bags, designer watches, etc?

 

Despite the backlash, some argue that the monk’s expenditures should not be subjected to public scrutiny. They contend that everyone, including monks, has the right to privacy and personal choice.

If you want privacy, don't post your life on Facebook.

 

 

 

[proton]

Not meant to have money or own anything other than garments and alms bowl

[brianthainess]

12 minutes ago, 2baht said:

Bob, Bob Smith? That's not you, is it?

He likes off the shoulder frocks but not in that colour ..............

[sammieuk1]

Saffron Rasputin Thailand's greatest money making machine 🤔

[scorecard]

6 hours ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

How much money does a temple secretary earn?

I understand that monks do receive donations but some of these 'famous' monks seem to have enough of a fortune in their coffers to offer them a very lavish lifestyle.

Also, why do these opulent monks need diamond bracelets, Gucci/Christian Dior bags, designer watches, etc?

 

Despite the backlash, some argue that the monk’s expenditures should not be subjected to public scrutiny. They contend that everyone, including monks, has the right to privacy and personal choice.

If you want privacy, don't post your life on Facebook.

 

 

 

Several years back here was a news spread about a monk who had several hi luxury cars, a luxury house with several bedrooms and full kitchen several paid staff including a professional chef, plus every room air conditioned and air-con on 24/7 every room. All paid for by 'donations'. Plus a couple of luxury holidays in Europe every year, flying business class. on arrival at the hotel in arrival city monks robes packed away, civies for the whole time of the holiday.  

 

And he hd a monk buddy who owned his own private jet.

[BangkokReady]

7 hours ago, Bert got kinky said:

Also, why do these opulent monks need diamond bracelets, Gucci/Christian Dior bags, designer watches, etc?

 

I'm pretty sure he's not meant to have anything.  But Thailand has a pretty flexible interpretation of Buddhism.

[OneMoreFarang]

It's always amazing that people give those monks even more money.

[spermwhale]

Hey look reporting but nobody quoted and only explaining reactions on social media. Reporters are supposed to interview people

[Wayne G]

Ha no different to the extravagant trappings that the Pope and his band of muppets live a joke 😡😡

 

[neeray]

I would guess that there is no doubt that his extended family live quite well too. Maybe no high-end bracelets or phones but decent digs with lots of food on the table. What a great gig !

No, I'm not jealous, just appalled.

[Sig]

17 hours ago, Bert got kinky said:

Also, why do these opulent monks need diamond bracelets, Gucci/Christian Dior bags, designer watches, etc?

I'd wonder - why does ANYONE need such things....
Nobody needs such things, but if one is wealthy and already helping loads of others in need, I don't think anyone should begrudge someone enjoying some luxury, but more often than not, with this kind of luxury, it is nonsensical squandering of resources just to make one feel better than their everyday existence. Meanwhile, it does the opposite because in reality they can't afford such items and it causes stress (to pay for it or to care for it or to worry about it) rather than relaxation in the norm of a wealthy person's luxury.

[hotchilli]

18 hours ago, webfact said:

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.

Sticky fingers in the donation box.

[hotchilli]

17 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Saffron Rasputin Thailand's greatest money making machine 🤔

Biggest ponzi scheme in Thailand... 

[loong]

17 hours ago, Bert got kinky said:

I understand that monks do receive donations but some of these 'famous' monks seem to have enough of a fortune in their coffers to offer them a very lavish lifestyle.

As far as I know, monks do not receive personal donations. They are not supposed to handle money at all, and donations are for the temple, not the monk. He should be investigated to find out how he is so wealthy.

[Kiwiken]

18 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

No, not according to Buddhist teaching.

Yes definitely not attempting to reach the higher plane unless it is an Airbus

[Thumbs]

When was the last time you saw a monk under 40 without a high end phone or ipad

[recom273]

11 minutes ago, loong said:

As far as I know, monks do not receive personal donations. They are not supposed to handle money at all, and donations are for the temple, not the monk. He should be investigated to find out how he is so wealthy.

the wife was saying something about this the other week - apparently they shouldn’t have the money to spend now, but should someone give them money, for example if they gave good advice, to make merit directly to the monk or the correct lottery numbers then they can amass that for a time when they leave the clergy. Seems a bit skewed to me, religion is a business in a lot of places in the world. 

[TheFishman1]

Many fake things in Thailand TIT

[soalbundy]

11 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

It's always amazing that people give those monks even more money.

In Europe in the middle ages Catholic priests sold plenary indulgences to reduce your sins so that your punishments would be reduced on judgement day, I think that is the same mode of thinking here. I think that the vast numbers of monks take their vows seriously but one only hears of the black sheep. Buddhism in Thailand is a branch of its own, the teachings are mixed with animism and superstition probably to match the hedonistic mentality of the Thais, my wife says that the true teachings of Buddha are taught at the temple services but I rather think they go over the heads of the village people where fear of black magic still reigns.

[thesetat2013]

11 hours ago, scorecard said:

Several years back here was a news spread about a monk who had several hi luxury cars, a luxury house with several bedrooms and full kitchen several paid staff including a professional chef, plus every room air conditioned and air-con on 24/7 every room. All paid for by 'donations'. Plus a couple of luxury holidays in Europe every year, flying business class. on arrival at the hotel in arrival city monks robes packed away, civies for the whole time of the holiday.  

 

And he hd a monk buddy who owned his own private jet.

yeah and then he fled to the US because Thailand was investigating his wealth. I do not think he has been able to return to Thailand yet. 

[Bangkok Barry]

18 hours ago, proton said:

Not meant to have money or own anything other than garments and alms bowl

 

You're confusing real Buddhism with Thai Buddhism. The only similarity between the two is the monks wear orange robes..

[Bangkok Barry]

 

This kind of thing is hardly unusual, and demonstrates again how gullible Thais are. A report last year said they are the most open in SE Asia to scams due to their childlike naivety. Yet, despite these reports, they still donate food and money and other goods, work for free in the temples and so on. Thai Buddhism is too often just another scam.

And what have the Buddhism authorities had to say? Did anyone ask?

[fittobethaied]

It's not a matter of privacy and personal choice. It's a matter of "where did he get the money". He's the temple secretary, so did he embezzle the funds, or were they personal gifts from well-wishers who made money from the monk's advice or superstitious predictions. I know someone who got a lucky number from a monk, and this guy told the monk he would give him 10% of the take if he won in the lottery. He won 16,000 Baht and felt honor bound to keep his commitment to the monk. The entire religious system is flawed and perverted!

[neeray]

Just now, fittobethaied said:

It's not a matter of privacy and personal choice. It's a matter of "where did he get the money". He's the temple secretary, so did he embezzle the funds, or were they personal gifts from well-wishers who made money from the monk's advice or superstitious predictions. I know someone who got a lucky number from a monk, and this guy told the monk he would give him 10% of the take if he won in the lottery. He won 16,000 Baht and felt honor bound to keep his commitment to the monk. The entire religious system is flawed and perverted!

Re your third sentence. Is " secretary" like secretary treasurer? I think so. He looks after the treasure (one for me, one for the temple, one for the boss, another one for me).

[ronster]

Mostly given by fools who think he will help them get rich !

Only people getting rich are him and other religious representatives around the world.

[Fairynuff]

13 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

It's always amazing that people give those monks even more money.

Paralleled only by the Christian “community” particularly in the US. Having said that, religion is all about money and control, whichever religion that is.