Picture courtesy of Khaosod

The Supreme Sangha Council has approved a new policy to tighten controls on the production and promotion of amulets and other religious objects, citing the need to uphold core Buddhist teachings and monastic discipline. The move, announced following the council’s first meeting of 2026, is intended to curb practices seen as distracting from the study and practice of Buddhism and to reinforce the proper role of temples and monks nationwide.

The decision was made at a meeting held on 9 January 2026 at Wat Bowonniwet Vihara in Bangkok. According to Chatchaphon Chaiporn, acting director of the Supreme Sangha Council’s secretariat, the policy reflects concerns that activities linked to amulets, superstition and non-doctrinal rituals have increasingly overshadowed core religious principles. The council said such practices risk undermining the integrity of Buddhist institutions and the observance of monastic rules.

The policy was issued by Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana and formally endorsed by the council. It calls for limiting activities associated with amulets, superstition and rituals that are not rooted in Buddhist doctrine and for preventing objects or ceremonies that conflict with monastic discipline from being introduced within temple grounds. The measures are framed as guidance for monks and temple authorities to reassess activities conducted under their supervision.

In addition to restrictions on amulet-related practices, the council instructed monks and temple administrators across the country to strictly enforce monastic discipline in a transparent and fair manner. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that religious institutions prioritise Buddhist education, study, practice and the realisation of the Buddha’s teachings. Activities deemed inconsistent with these core principles are to be reviewed and, where necessary, curtailed.

The policy has implications for temples known for producing or promoting amulets and related rituals, as well as for devotees who participate in such practices. By reinforcing doctrinal boundaries, the council aims to provide clearer standards for acceptable religious activities and to strengthen public confidence in Buddhist institutions. The guidance also signals a renewed focus on discipline and accountability within the monastic community.

Khoasod reported that monks and temple authorities are expected to implement the policy at a local level under the supervision of ecclesiastical authorities. Further clarification and enforcement measures may follow as the council monitors compliance nationwide. The council indicated that the overarching goal is to ensure that Buddhism in Thailand remains firmly centred on authentic teachings and disciplined practice.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Sangha Council approved a policy on 9 January 2026 to restrict amulet-related activities.

• The measures aim to prevent practices not rooted in Buddhist doctrine or monastic discipline.

• Monks nationwide have been instructed to prioritise education and authentic religious practice.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khoasod 2026-01-11

 

 

I remember the craze for "Chatukham Ramathep" amulets produced by some temple in the south about 10 years ago.

Maybe the first step is to make Buddhism, Buddhism again in Thailand instead of a mix of all kind of religions and superstition believes.. Monks are not allowed to drink, smoke, have women, give lottery numbers, and temples should be free of parties, but a place for meditation and relax and calm. The abbot of a temple is good friend of me and we discuss this several times, and he is always saying that Thai Buddhism is not pure Buddhism

Yep, amulet production is very important, instead of making real checks on everyone who wish to become a monk. Today the temples of Thailand have become hideouts for criminals and people who wish to live for free while engaging in sexual activities, drinking and taking drugs.

Not saying that the majority are like this, but today there´s a far too big portion of rotten apples in the temple garden. That´s what they should focus on weeding out instead of focusing on amulet production.

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

Maybe the first step is to make Buddhism, Buddhism again in Thailand instead of a mix of all kind of religions and superstition believes.. Monks are not allowed to drink, smoke, have women, give lottery numbers, and temples should be free of parties, but a place for meditation and relax and calm. The abbot of a temple is good friend of me and we discuss this several times, and he is always saying that Thai Buddhism is not pure Buddhism

omg .. if that were only true with every religion on the planet. Monks are just ordinary people like the rest of us, any notion of a higher calling is just fantasy. It goes against human nature and should be rejected outright

production and promotion of amulets and other religious objects (can understand the old ones as antiquities)

How & who makes these so special that charge crazy prices - & blessed by whom? - top monk of Thailand, the PM, the Sovereignty etc - not judging, each to their own

Just asking