In the past few weeks I've noted several articles in the "Bangkok Post" and "The Nation" about thefts and vandalism to temple and antiquity sites. Coupled with the frequency that I find wiharns and bots closed, that leads to a question. While I know, at least in general, the things that monks do, there also seems to be a lot of "relaxing". I'm sure I'm missing something, but why aren't some monks at each temple posted in wiharns and bots for two reasons -- to be available to counsel and to keep their eyes on valuables.

It would create desire in the monks which would lead to suffering. Better they have freedom from material bric-a-brac.