Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English Facebook

 

Thailand is grappling with a series of monk scandals that have shaken the nation's trust in Buddhism. In response, Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced a major initiative to restore the religion’s tarnished image.

 

Speaking through social media, Paetongtarn, also the leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, emphasised the urgency of rebuilding public confidence. "The recent misconduct by monks has caused deep confusion and weakened people’s faith," she stated. "This is more than an isolated issue; it’s a critical turning point."

 

The government has directed the Ministry of Culture, alongside the National Office of Buddhism and the Ministry of Education, to launch a comprehensive awareness campaign. The aim is to mend the relationship between laypeople and the clergy while reinvigorating traditional Thai values centred around morality and peaceful coexistence.

 

Paetongtarn has convened high-level meetings within her ministry to develop long-term strategies. She is clear that the approach will not resist societal change but will adapt to it thoughtfully. "Our approach will not reject societal change but embrace and adapt to it consciously," she remarked.

 

A key focus of the campaign is to modernise how Buddhism is presented, particularly to younger audiences. This involves updating the communication of Buddhist teachings to resonate with the digital age. Instead of outdated methods, the campaign seeks to provide real opportunities for Thai youth to connect with Buddhism in ways that are relevant to their daily lives.

 

Additionally, Paetongtarn called on civil servants and government workers to set an example. She stressed that restoring faith in Buddhism requires more than just policy changes; it necessitates a collective and sincere effort throughout society. "True restoration must come from mutual understanding and collective action," she noted.

 

This initiative comes in the wake of recent scandals involving monks and temple mismanagement, which have attracted significant public and media scrutiny. These events have challenged the credibility of the country's religious institutions.

 

Paetongtarn's campaign is set to unfold in phases over the coming months, with the potential to significantly impact the perception and practice of Buddhism in Thailand. As reforms take shape, the nation watches closely to see if these efforts will restore trust and reinforce the enduring values of Buddhism in modern Thai society.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-18

 

 

3 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English Facebook

 

Thailand is grappling with a series of monk scandals that have shaken the nation's trust in Buddhism. In response, Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced a major initiative to restore the religion’s tarnished image.

 

Speaking through social media, Paetongtarn, also the leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, emphasised the urgency of rebuilding public confidence. "The recent misconduct by monks has caused deep confusion and weakened people’s faith," she stated. "This is more than an isolated issue; it’s a critical turning point."

 

The government has directed the Ministry of Culture, alongside the National Office of Buddhism and the Ministry of Education, to launch a comprehensive awareness campaign. The aim is to mend the relationship between laypeople and the clergy while reinvigorating traditional Thai values centred around morality and peaceful coexistence.

 

Paetongtarn has convened high-level meetings within her ministry to develop long-term strategies. She is clear that the approach will not resist societal change but will adapt to it thoughtfully. "Our approach will not reject societal change but embrace and adapt to it consciously," she remarked.

 

A key focus of the campaign is to modernise how Buddhism is presented, particularly to younger audiences. This involves updating the communication of Buddhist teachings to resonate with the digital age. Instead of outdated methods, the campaign seeks to provide real opportunities for Thai youth to connect with Buddhism in ways that are relevant to their daily lives.

 

Additionally, Paetongtarn called on civil servants and government workers to set an example. She stressed that restoring faith in Buddhism requires more than just policy changes; it necessitates a collective and sincere effort throughout society. "True restoration must come from mutual understanding and collective action," she noted.

 

This initiative comes in the wake of recent scandals involving monks and temple mismanagement, which have attracted significant public and media scrutiny. These events have challenged the credibility of the country's religious institutions.

 

Paetongtarn's campaign is set to unfold in phases over the coming months, with the potential to significantly impact the perception and practice of Buddhism in Thailand. As reforms take shape, the nation watches closely to see if these efforts will restore trust and reinforce the enduring values of Buddhism in modern Thai society.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-18

 

 

 

i’m not sure who i should trust more … the shinawatra or a monk … probably neither of them ... 

 

Probably best not to make vows that you can't accomplish.

I don't see Buddhism's image as "tarnished".  There are corrupt people in every phase of society in all nations. Buddhism remains the most sane religion on the face of the earth, along with Jainism. Two religions that are truly "the religion of peace".

will she be reborn as PM on her road to enlightenment?

1 hour ago, blaze master said:

Probably best not to make vows that you can't keep.

 

Buddha taught not to become too attached to wealth, or you will suffer instead of enjoying it, because wealth is valuable only if put to good use, holding fast to it is no good.

Should a Shinawatra be advising on this issue.

To be honest this is not as difficult a task as it sounds. The general population are already brainwashed and in awe of monks and the temples.

 

Every morning I see the locals.....no two satangs to rub together...grovelling to the monks....handing out food and drinks.

 

It will take an awful lot more than private jets, billions missing from the accounts, rooms full of foetuses, pregnant nuns and murders to convince them the monk hood is dodgy.

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

a series of monk scandals

 

It's not a "monk scandal". It's a promiscuous Thai woman slept with 10 men and blackmailed them for 9 million pounds scandal.

5 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

To be honest this is not as difficult a task as it sounds. The general population are already brainwashed and in awe of monks and the temples.

 

Every morning I see the locals.....no two satangs to rub together...grovelling to the monks....handing out food and drinks.

 

It will take an awful lot more than private jets, billions missing from the accounts, rooms full of foetuses, pregnant nuns and murders to convince them the monk hood is dodgy.

 

 

 

 

Oh arent you the Bwana today

1 minute ago, Yagoda said:

Oh arent you the Bwana today

 

Excuse me.......everyday thank you very much.

17 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

Excuse me.......everyday thank you very much.

Oh, OK, glad you admit your inner feelings of superiority over the Asian brown folks, wot wot. 

In the first place, she may not be around enough to restore anything.

Secondly, the only institution more broken and corrupt than the Thai government is the so-called Thai Buddhism.

In LOS, it seems like every other week or month, either a politician or monk is the headlines for unscrupulous acts. 

Bangkok Post - Four Thai monks arrested after testing positive for meth

 

here you go young lady. start with this joke of a Sangha. 

Why don’t you talk to that lady they called golf she got paid very well by many of the high ranking monks millions

If only she could come up with a catchy slogan.

 

19 hours ago, motdaeng said:

i’m not sure who i should trust more … the shinawatra or a monk

 

I would put my money on the monk.

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand is grappling with a series of monk scandals that have shaken the nation's trust in Buddhism. In response, Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced a major initiative to restore the religion’s tarnished image

 

19 hours ago, motdaeng said:

i’m not sure who i should trust more … the shinawatra or a monk … probably neither of them .

I wouldn't give either of them "long-drop" room in the desert.

19 hours ago, motdaeng said:

 

i’m not sure who i should trust more … the shinawatra or a monk … probably neither of them ... 

 

a monk,they are cheaper

19 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

will she be reborn as PM on her road to enlightenment?

PM? Post Mortem?

Can't have faith in her how in the hell she going to have faith in Buddhism

21 hours ago, Felton Jarvis said:

I don't see Buddhism's image as "tarnished".  There are corrupt people in every phase of society in all nations. Buddhism remains the most sane religion on the face of the earth, along with Jainism. Two religions that are truly "the religion of peace".

Naaaa Jedi is the religion of peace. May the force be with you 🙏🏼

Resign and move to Dubai.

22 hours ago, motdaeng said:

 

i’m not sure who i should trust more … the shinawatra or a monk … probably neither of them ... 

 

Neither. 

2 hours ago, Oliver Holzerfilled said:

If only she could come up with a catchy slogan.

 

Excellent - AN Meme Of The Day. 

 

15 hours ago, BayArea said:

In the first place, she may not be around enough to restore anything.

Secondly, the only institution more broken and corrupt than the Thai government is the so-called Thai Buddhism.

In LOS, it seems like every other week or month, either a politician or monk is the headlines for unscrupulous acts. 

Meh, "every other week or month, either a politician or monk is the headlines for unscrupulous acts" pretty much everywhere just substitute religious leader for monk.

Really appear to be cursed …. Trouble and scandals seems to be following her in every role she takes - as a PM she as hit by the scandal of the leaked telephone conversation with Hun Sen… now as culture minister - she has to grapple with the scandalous Monks affair with a single Thai woman..🤣 then again… how can she modernize and bring repute to the monk hood when she had attempted to introduce casinos in Thailand which is against the very basic tenets of Buddhism 🤔🤔. 🤣🤣

A multi millionaire interfering with Buddhism   I doubt her lifestyle and values align with it's teachings.  Although if she donates enough of her ill gotten gains all will be forgiven   

On 7/18/2025 at 7:14 AM, blaze master said:

Probably best not to make vows that you can't accomplish.

Has that ever stopped them from doing it?

Next up will be an announcement  designating Thailand as a Hub of  Buddhism. We will all wear orange and a piece of toxic string on our wrist, one day a week in solidarity.

Does anyone in Thailand outside her immediate family give a damn what this woman thinks?

Question :

 

Most, if not all of us will work or have social engagement in the following:

 

Family

Workplace

Social activity: arts, sports etc

 

If these were based around an untouchable and unquestionable dogma combined with a strict hierarchy, how happy would you be as a member and how truly successful would these organisations be ?

 

How accountable and transparent would leadership of such organisations be ?

 

There you go. You have your answers for many of the problems in Thai society.