Thai Government Vows Proactive Efforts to Safeguard Buddhism

[webfact]

File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

To bolster Buddhism's standing and integrity in Thailand, the government has pledged a proactive approach in identifying and solving issues affecting the religion. This comes as a shift from reacting to problems only as they surface, which often happens when they capture public attention or complaints arise.

 

Chousak Sirinil, a Minister at the Prime Minister's Office who oversees the National Office of Buddhism, has outlined decisive measures aimed at safeguarding the cherished religion. Crucially, this includes the proactive identification of issues before they escalate.

 

One key area of focus is the prevention of illegal activities on temple grounds. The government aims to deter the use of these sacred spaces for illicit activities such as drug consumption and gambling. This enforcement ensures temples remain holy places rather than misused venues for unlawful behaviour.

 

Furthermore, there will be a crackdown on conduct contravening Buddhist teachings. This includes stronger disciplinary actions against monks engaging in inappropriate behaviour, such as sexual misconduct or improper use of social media. Additionally, any spread of distorted interpretations of Buddhist teachings will face increased scrutiny and suppression.

 

Efforts to protect Buddhism extend to legal measures as well. Impersonators posing as monks, a problem that tarnishes the religion’s image, will face stringent legal repercussions. In contrast, monks demonstrating good behaviour can expect heightened protection against any unjust treatment by others.

To maintain the purity and dignity of those entering the monkhood, stricter vetting processes will be implemented to exclude undesirables. This ensures that only those committed to upholding Buddhist values will join the order.

 

The National Office of Buddhism plans to establish a dedicated centre for receiving complaints, encouraging public engagement in protecting Buddhism's tenets. This opens a channel for citizens to participate actively in safeguarding their spiritual landscape.

 

An additional initiative involves forming a new committee to address land disputes involving temples. Conflicts between Sangha monasteries and state land authorities have become a concern, and this move aims to resolve such issues efficiently.

 

In summary, while the government's commitment to enhancing the protection of Buddhism in Thailand signals hope for preserving its integrity, it also involves a comprehensive and determined effort.

 

Through better oversight and public involvement, Thailand aspires to shield its national religion from contemporary societal pressures and challenges. With the Thai baht giving an edge to these initiatives, equivalent to strengthening community ties that are essential in maintaining Buddhism's hallowed status, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-11-28

 

 

[watchcat]

10 minutes ago, webfact said:

solving issues affecting the religion.

 

Such as taking drugs, drinking alcohol, using mobile phones, having sex with minors etc, etc.

[Artisi]

Getting back to the true path of Buddhism in place of the corrupted Thai version would be a good place to start. 

[ikke1959]

Buddhism and monks should be protected... not possible to become a monk if you committed an offence or as a kind of penance for mistakes...as we have seen in the past...Than monks will be respected too and those who misbehave must send away immediately and being punished as a normal civilian. Rules must be followed.. so no gambling, no alcohol or drugs and smoking, no sex, and surely no money....

[OneMoreFarang]

I don't know much about Buddhism, but it seems to me mostly a good philosophy.

I think people only should become monks if they want to learn and live life as a Buddhist. If they don't want that, then just don't join the club.

It seems to me too many Thais become monks because it is expected from them, not because they care.

 

[lordgrinz]

First, Thai Buddhism isn't Buddhism, they should work on fixing that before showing their perverted version of it to the masses. 

[SunsetT]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

To bolster Buddhism's standing and integrity in Thailand, the government has pledged a proactive approach in identifying and solving issues affecting the religion. This comes as a shift from reacting to problems only as they surface, which often happens when they capture public attention or complaints arise.

 

Chousak Sirinil, a Minister at the Prime Minister's Office who oversees the National Office of Buddhism, has outlined decisive measures aimed at safeguarding the cherished religion. Crucially, this includes the proactive identification of issues before they escalate.

 

One key area of focus is the prevention of illegal activities on temple grounds. The government aims to deter the use of these sacred spaces for illicit activities such as drug consumption and gambling. This enforcement ensures temples remain holy places rather than misused venues for unlawful behaviour.

 

Furthermore, there will be a crackdown on conduct contravening Buddhist teachings. This includes stronger disciplinary actions against monks engaging in inappropriate behaviour, such as sexual misconduct or improper use of social media. Additionally, any spread of distorted interpretations of Buddhist teachings will face increased scrutiny and suppression.

 

Efforts to protect Buddhism extend to legal measures as well. Impersonators posing as monks, a problem that tarnishes the religion’s image, will face stringent legal repercussions. In contrast, monks demonstrating good behaviour can expect heightened protection against any unjust treatment by others.

 

To maintain the purity and dignity of those entering the monkhood, stricter vetting processes will be implemented to exclude undesirables. This ensures that only those committed to upholding Buddhist values will join the order.

 

The National Office of Buddhism plans to establish a dedicated centre for receiving complaints, encouraging public engagement in protecting Buddhism's tenets. This opens a channel for citizens to participate actively in safeguarding their spiritual landscape.

 

An additional initiative involves forming a new committee to address land disputes involving temples. Conflicts between Sangha monasteries and state land authorities have become a concern, and this move aims to resolve such issues efficiently.

 

In summary, while the government's commitment to enhancing the protection of Buddhism in Thailand signals hope for preserving its integrity, it also involves a comprehensive and determined effort.

 

Through better oversight and public involvement, Thailand aspires to shield its national religion from contemporary societal pressures and challenges. With the Thai baht giving an edge to these initiatives, equivalent to strengthening community ties that are essential in maintaining Buddhism's hallowed status, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-11-28

 

 

They could bring in some Christian bishops as advisors...🤣

Edited 20 hours ago by SunsetT

[RichardColeman]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

One key area of focus is the prevention of illegal activities on temple grounds. The government aims to deter the use of these sacred spaces for illicit activities such as drug consumption and gambling. This enforcement ensures temples remain holy places rather than misused venues for unlawful behaviour.

Yeah, but its the monks doing it, not the populace !

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

To bolster Buddhism's standing and integrity in Thailand, the government has pledged a proactive approach in identifying and solving issues affecting the religion. This comes as a shift from reacting to problems only as they surface, which often happens when they capture public attention or complaints arise.

So keeping things hidden didn't work once the monks started publicly damaging the image.

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I don't know much about Buddhism, but it seems to me mostly a good philosophy.

I think people only should become monks if they want to learn and live life as a Buddhist. If they don't want that, then just don't join the club.

It seems to me too many Thais become monks because it is expected from them, not because they care.

 

And others as a form of self punishment for doing wrong.... thugs in saffron never works

[soalbundy]

39 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

So keeping things hidden didn't work once the monks started publicly damaging the image.

pure amateurs compared to the Catholic church, they move their perverts to quiet backwater communities where they can continue their dirty work for years before it's found out then they pay hush money.

[jcmj]

A little too late for that one, but nice that they are starting to acknowledge the problems arising from these so called monks. As many have stated they need to get back to the basic principles of what Buddhism is about. 

[Thingamabob]

A bit late in the day. Idolatry replaced Buddhism throughout most of Thailand a long time ago.

[JimHuaHin]

I think every major "religion" in the world has a "morality" problem with its clergy, and Thailand is no exception.

 

And just like Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Islam, Buddhism has a wide diversity of schools of thought, practice and interpretations.

[khaowong1]

12 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I don't know much about Buddhism, but it seems to me mostly a good philosophy.

I think people only should become monks if they want to learn and live life as a Buddhist. If they don't want that, then just don't join the club.

It seems to me too many Thais become monks because it is expected from them, not because they care.

 

Becoming a monk for a week or 2 to make merit for your dead grandfather should be looked at.  About half the problems brought into a temple are from these quick in and out monks.  They virtually don't learn anything about how to be a monk or the Buddhist religion. 

[zhounan]

The problem is that those who speak about morality generally are the most immorals.

 

 

[kwilco]

Always worrying when governments start promoting a religion.

[daveAustin]

23 hours ago, webfact said:

One key area of focus is the prevention of illegal activities on temple grounds. The government aims to deter the use of these sacred spaces for illicit activities such as drug consumption and gambling

 

Well gambling are drinking is obligatory for the overnighters during funeral ceremonies, and I bet you a hot cross bun to a pound of ripe bananas that lawmakers also partake. Super loud music and partying at temples; inconveniencing local residents, keeping school kids up. Is that Buddhism? It would need a fundamental change to stamp it all out. All for protecting Buddhism here though. The less Christian and Islamic influence the better. 

[Mason45]

I seen an interview with the Dalai Lama several years ago. The interview was going well until he was asked what did he think of Thai Buddhism. He paused, then gave a grin and said next question please. My wife has 2 brothers who are monks, both are only there because no one in the family wants them as they were both addicted to Lao Kaow. They both had good jobs in construction when they were younger and now they have nothing. I have nothing against Thai the monks, getting ordained it's their choice. I've always wondered where all the financial donations to every wat go to.  I seem to think in many cases the fat cats in the temples management are milking the system. In some case the money some people leave to temples when they die is in the millions,