Report Most Thais Say Rogue Monks Must Face Punishment, Survey Finds

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of ABC Australia | Photographer: Matt Henry

 

A new survey reveals most Thais believe some Buddhist monks have strayed from their spiritual path and should face consequences. Conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration between July 14 and 16, the poll sampled 1,310 Buddhists nationwide.

 

The results are damning, with 76.11% of respondents asserting that certain monks have engaged in activities like drug abuse, alcohol consumption, gambling, and inappropriate relationships.

 

Financial and material obsessions are also a concern, as 45.95% of participants reported some monks being obsessed with wealth and status. An additional 45.80% perceived a materialistic trend among the clergy. Concerns over monks viewing the monkhood as a mere livelihood permeated 40% of responses.

 

Despite these issues, faith in Buddhism remains relatively strong, with 68.55% maintaining their belief intact. However, faith in individual monks has declined for 58.40% of those surveyed, reflecting a complex relationship between the public and their spiritual leaders.

 

Public sentiment heavily favours heightened accountability, as 94.35% of respondents support legal amendments to punish monks breaching monastic rules. Furthermore, 93.20% advocate for consequences for those engaging sexually with monks. This follows scandals involving icons like “Sika Golf” and high-ranking clergy members.

 

The survey underscores a call for reform within the monkhood and suggests a public appetite for increased transparency and discipline in religious communities. As discussions continue, the future of monastic integrity remains a critical area for public and clerical dialogue.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok POst 2025-07-21

 

 

[JimHuaHin]

There seem to be many good devote monks in Thailand; but unfortunately, there seem to be more monks who become monks just to take advantage of the system - access to temple funds to engage in unmonkly behaviour, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, women, sex, latest iPhones, etc., and to get all these benefits without having to work.

 

At least once a week I see monks in my local mall, either in phone shops purchasing new phones or dining in "expensive" restaurants after midday.

[newbee2022]

What about tarred and feathered chased down the town? ❤️

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Concerns over monks viewing the monkhood as a mere livelihood permeated 40% of responses.

When life sucks outside there's always the free life dressed in Saffron.

[IsaanGuy]

Shock horror! Monks are going rogue.

Just like in other religions Buddhism has con men and shysters in it. 

[Seagull Sam]

4 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

At least once a week I see monks in my local mall, either in phone shops purchasing new phones or dining in "expensive" restaurants after midday.

The 227 rules of the pātimokkha monks are allowed alms bowls and robes only. Money an eating are midday are clear no-nos. 

Each temple's clergy should recite these on full moon and half moon days I understand.

Fancy ordaining anyone? Stick with the Cathlolics or Anglicans and you will get moved to another parish if you stick your hand up the altar boys cassocks.

[newnative]

Make the punishment getting a job and working.

[Harrisfan]

5 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

There seem to be many good devote monks in Thailand; but unfortunately, there seem to be more monks who become monks just to take advantage of the system - access to temple funds to engage in unmonkly behaviour, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, women, sex, latest iPhones, etc., and to get all these benefits without having to work.

 

At least once a week I see monks in my local mall, either in phone shops purchasing new phones or dining in "expensive" restaurants after midday.

Every monk has a modern phone.

[Beat666]

This is detrimental to Buddhism, yet it must be acknowledged that such incidents occur in every religion worldwide.

 

This is neither the first nor will it be the last occurrence.

 

I recall my ordination as a monk in Nakhon Sawan, where I slept on the floor beside another monk. He was the abbot’s assistant and enjoyed certain privileges, including sleeping on a bed.

 

On the second day, I discovered adult magazines beneath his bed and chose to relocate to another monk’s quarters. Years later, that same monk committed murder within the same temple, killing a fellow monk.

 

[JonnyF]

It's incredible how much money flows through Thai temples.

 

First time I went I had my hand in my wallet every 5 minutes. Donate here, buy supplies there. Whenever I asked what the money was for, the reply was "for luckyyyyy".  

[cynic1]

A song of how Thai monks should be to remind all.

 

 

[SOTIRIOS]

...And All Assets Seized... (?)

...Aren't Monks Supposed To Own Nothing... (?)

[Will B Good]

54 minutes ago, SOTIRIOS said:

...And All Assets Seized... (?)

...Aren't Monks Supposed To Own Nothing... (?)

 

I think no more than one private jet each after a big brouhaha a few years ago.

[TedG]

I saw a monk in business class from NRT to BKK once.   So much for living a minimal life. 

[spidermike007]

There are a lot of members of the public who seem to put a lot of faith in these guys, and when that faith is betrayed there certainly should be penalties for that. What kind of penalties besides being defrocked and kicked out, I'm not sure.

 

If it's a financial crime and the lowly monk Is found to be using temple donations for his own personal use that should be considered a serious crime and he should be locked up for a considerable length of time for a crime like that.

 

And if he's using the power of his robe to get into a young women's pants, that should also be considered a serious crime. Whether or not the courts would be able to charge him for a crime like that I have no idea but I might suggest that if the courts can't charge him, that the family of the young woman take their own brand of vigilante action! 

[Speedhump]

This is at heart a simple matter. 

 

Many Thais worship at small temples where monks are honest and not looking for material wealth. Larger temples which gather much larger donations attract the avarice of senior monks who then even become prey to other vices. This is so well know to Thais as to hardly be worthy of comment. I'm not surprised that many/most Thai people, despite hating any criticism of their faith. want these criminals prosecuted to defend the purity of Buddhism. I wish the Catholic faith had the same fervour ....

 

I am averse to religion in all its forms. Buddhism even professes not to be a religion. Nevertheless people should be free to PRIVATELY AND PEACEABLY follow their own faith, even Muslims. 

 

(Edited for speeling and grammer)

[Will B Good]

Just now, Speedhump said:

This is at heart a simple matter. 

 

Many Thais worship at small temples where monks are honest and not looking for material wealth. Larger temples which gather much larger donations attract the avarice of senior monks who then even become prey to other vices. This is so well know to Thais as to hardly be worthy of comment. I'm not surprised that mant/most Thai people,despite hating any criticism of their faith. want these criminals prosecuted to defend the purity of Buddhism. I wish the Catholic faith had the same fervour ....

 

I am averse to religion in all its forms. Buddhism even professes not to be a religion. Nevertheless people should be free to PRIVATELY AND PEACEABLY follow their own faith, even Muslims. 

 

I would agree with all of that...the only rider I would add is that religious indoctrination should be made illegal for under 18 year olds........every single religious school should be faced with an outright ban.

[Stargeezr]

Just remember the real monks in Thailand do not behave this way.

There are some, who are hiding in the temple for various reasons, but I never consider them 

as real monks.