Cambodian Monks Disrobed in Pattaya for Breaching Buddhist Rules
PATTAYA, Thailand – Three Cambodian monks were stripped of their saffron robes in Pattaya after being accused of breaching traditional Buddhist rules. The monks were found begging for food in Pattaya’s nightlife district, Walking Street, late at night, which is against Buddhist practice.
Violation of Buddhist Etiquette
According to Buddhist tradition, monks are only allowed to ask for food between dawn and midday. However, the three men were caught asking for food well past the designated hours. Local residents reported the monks’ behavior, prompting swift action from authorities.
The Investigation
- Location of Discovery:
- One monk was found begging at Wat Chaimongkol night market at 4:00 pm.
- The other two monks were found in the Soi Buakhao area, known for its nightclubs, also begging for food.
- Further Findings:
- The monks had identification certificates confirming their monk status.
- They were found to be living illegally in Thailand without proper travel documents and were residing in a makeshift shelter in a forest near Soi Nong Hin.
Disrobing and Deportation
After being found in violation of Buddhist customs, the monks were escorted to Tham Samakee Temple, where they were officially disrobed by Phrakhruphisan Jariyakon, Chief of the Ecclesiastical Commune. The disrobing was conducted in the presence of local authorities to uphold the integrity of the Buddhist monastic community.
Following the disrobing, the monks were handed over to Chon Buri immigration police for deportation proceedings, as they had entered Thailand illegally.
Public Concerns
This incident has sparked concerns about the monitoring of religious practices among foreign nationals in Thailand. There have been discussions about the need for more stringent oversight to ensure that foreign monks follow the rules and guidelines of Buddhism.
In a related incident, a viral video surfaced showing a monk riding a motorcycle with a snake draped over his shoulder, which has raised further questions regarding the behavior of monks in Thailand.
This story highlights ongoing concerns about the behavior of foreign monks in the country and the importance of maintaining respect for Buddhist traditions.
