Report Thai Monks in Scandal: Calls for Reform and Accountability

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

 

Thai society is reeling after a series of scandals involving Buddhist monks, some of whom have been embroiled in financial and sexual misconduct. These incidents, notably the case of a high-ranking monk accused of embezzling millions of baht and engaging in an affair, have deeply shaken the faith of many Buddhists. This has sparked widespread calls for legal reforms targeting both offending monks and their accomplices.

 

The issue of misconduct within monasteries has prompted figures like renowned Thai language tutor Kijmanoch Rojanasupya, known as 'Kru Lilly', to advocate for regulatory measures. While disheartened by these revelations, Kru Lilly believes the core values of Buddhism remain untainted, though the image of its clergy has suffered. She leads a meditation centre offering free teachings and stresses the need for transparency and accountability within temple operations.

 

A recent survey by the National Institute of Development Administration sheds light on the public's growing concern. With 1,310 respondents, the poll reveals that a significant majority believe monks are straying from their spiritual duties, engaging in behaviours ranging from drug abuse to gambling. Discontent is also directed toward temple administration, citing a lack of financial transparency and increased commercialisation.

 

The role of monks within Thai society traditionally comes with privileges, including offerings and ceremonial fees, which some claim incentivise misconduct. Civil servant Pattama, among others, notes these benefits can lead some to pursue monkhood for financial gains rather than spiritual enlightenment.

 

There are calls for introducing legislative measures to curb such behaviours. The poll indicates strong support for punishing both monks who breach monastic codes and the laity involved in such scandals. Kru Lilly suggests implementing laws to protect Buddhism's integrity without infringing on religious freedoms.

 

While faith in Buddhism's fundamental teachings remains robust for many, confidence in the clergy is waning. Approximately 58.4% of those surveyed report a decline in trust towards monks. However, hope persists that these scandals might mark a turning point for reform and introspection within the community.

 

Tarada, a devout Buddhist, emphasises the importance of distinguishing between the actions of individuals and the tenets of Buddhism itself. She believes that adherence to Buddha’s teachings is key and hopes for a restoration of faith through positive actions.

 

Religious and mental health experts encourage the Thai public to maintain a balanced perspective. Dr. Kittisak Aksornwong from the Department of Mental Health advises consuming news mindfully to mitigate stress, underscoring the importance of religion in fostering moral and emotional resilience.

 

As Thailand grapples with these revelations, there is collective momentum towards reforming and rejuvenating the monastic community's image. Advocates and scholars alike urge the implementation of stricter oversight and accountability to ensure the sanctity and integrity of Buddhism are preserved for future generations.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-08-04

 

[Will B Good]

4 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Thai society is reeling

 

Hmmmmm....don't think so......they just shrug....it's par for the course.

[ronster]

Are they audited every year and taxed on donations etc ? 

Doesn't seem so the amount of money they have and way they spend it .

[newbee2022]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The role of monks within Thai society traditionally comes with privileges, including offerings and ceremonial fees, which some claim incentivise misconduct. Civil servant Pattama, among others, notes these benefits can lead some to pursue monkhood for financial gains rather than spiritual enlightenment.

I think financial gains is the main reason nowadays for monkhood.

Many seeking a life without work and earning millions whereas others struggling with 400 Baht a day.

If monks would not be allowed to earn money the temples would be empty soon

[dallen52]

In my little part of Thailand they smoke. 

Have mobile phones. 

Certainly are not poor.

Many don't seem to do long years. 

All Certainly need exercise .

Get ample food and donations. 

[motdaeng]

Thai Monks in Scandal: Calls for Reform and Accountability

 

please include all politicians, the entire police, and the army ... the whole lying and corrupt gang ...

cheating and lying is not just a monk’s habit. ... 

[hotchilli]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

This has sparked widespread calls for legal reforms targeting both offending monks and their accomplices.

There will be no accountability or transparency while the Buddhist fraternity self regulates.

[newbee2022]

40 minutes ago, motdaeng said:

Thai Monks in Scandal: Calls for Reform and Accountability

 

please include all politicians, the entire police, and the army ... the whole lying and corrupt gang ...

cheating and lying is not just a monk’s habit. ... 

Yeah, but this thread is about monks only

[khunpeer]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

 

Thai society is reeling after a series of scandals involving Buddhist monks, some of whom have been embroiled in financial and sexual misconduct. These incidents, notably the case of a high-ranking monk accused of embezzling millions of baht and engaging in an affair, have deeply shaken the faith of many Buddhists. This has sparked widespread calls for legal reforms targeting both offending monks and their accomplices.

 

The issue of misconduct within monasteries has prompted figures like renowned Thai language tutor Kijmanoch Rojanasupya, known as 'Kru Lilly', to advocate for regulatory measures. While disheartened by these revelations, Kru Lilly believes the core values of Buddhism remain untainted, though the image of its clergy has suffered. She leads a meditation centre offering free teachings and stresses the need for transparency and accountability within temple operations.

 

A recent survey by the National Institute of Development Administration sheds light on the public's growing concern. With 1,310 respondents, the poll reveals that a significant majority believe monks are straying from their spiritual duties, engaging in behaviours ranging from drug abuse to gambling. Discontent is also directed toward temple administration, citing a lack of financial transparency and increased commercialisation.

 

The role of monks within Thai society traditionally comes with privileges, including offerings and ceremonial fees, which some claim incentivise misconduct. Civil servant Pattama, among others, notes these benefits can lead some to pursue monkhood for financial gains rather than spiritual enlightenment.

 

There are calls for introducing legislative measures to curb such behaviours. The poll indicates strong support for punishing both monks who breach monastic codes and the laity involved in such scandals. Kru Lilly suggests implementing laws to protect Buddhism's integrity without infringing on religious freedoms.

 

While faith in Buddhism's fundamental teachings remains robust for many, confidence in the clergy is waning. Approximately 58.4% of those surveyed report a decline in trust towards monks. However, hope persists that these scandals might mark a turning point for reform and introspection within the community.

 

Tarada, a devout Buddhist, emphasises the importance of distinguishing between the actions of individuals and the tenets of Buddhism itself. She believes that adherence to Buddha’s teachings is key and hopes for a restoration of faith through positive actions.

 

Religious and mental health experts encourage the Thai public to maintain a balanced perspective. Dr. Kittisak Aksornwong from the Department of Mental Health advises consuming news mindfully to mitigate stress, underscoring the importance of religion in fostering moral and emotional resilience.

 

As Thailand grapples with these revelations, there is collective momentum towards reforming and rejuvenating the monastic community's image. Advocates and scholars alike urge the implementation of stricter oversight and accountability to ensure the sanctity and integrity of Buddhism are preserved for future generations.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-08-04

 

as i drove my daughter to school this morning we were passed by a songteaw loaded w young monks, all playing on their phones...

and yesterday in the mall at a phoneshop 3 senior monks purchasing the latest I-phone!

they're not supposed to do this, right?

[Srikcir]

1 hour ago, ronster said:

Are they audited every year and taxed on donations etc ? 

Doesn't seem so the amount of money they have and way they spend it .

Abbots' largest source of income comes from the Thai goverment that uses funds from Thailand income taxes.

[Formaleins]

Hell, it has been going on for more than 20 years that I can remember. 

[newbee2022]

11 minutes ago, Formaleins said:

Hell, it has been going on for more than 20 years that I can remember. 

That's a pretty good reason to go on with it 🤗

[newnative]

    All the free food you could possibly eat, all the free money you could possibly spend, and no work required.  Idle hands are the devil's workshop--especially appropriate in this case.