Monk attempts purchase
On 9 March, a video went viral showing a Thai monk trying to buy two bottles of beer at a local convenience store. In the clip, the monk wore his full robes while placing the beers on the counter.
The store staff seemed hesitant and told him, “Can you get your driver or anyone else to purchase this for you?” The monk replied he was in a hurry, but the staff refused to sell, citing the risk of legal trouble for selling alcohol to a monk. Eventually, the monk left the bottles and walked out. According to one source, the Facebook page อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 7 captured the incident.
Legal and religious rules
Thai law allows adults over 20, including monks, to buy alcohol legally, and no penalties apply solely for the transaction. However, Buddhist rules strictly forbid monks from drinking alcohol or using intoxicants. The punishment of the violations may differ according to the abbot and the provincial monk chief of that temple.
Drinking inside temples or during religious ceremonies is an offense under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, with penalties of up to six months in prison, a fine of 10,000 baht, or both. According to Thai legal experts, monks can face internal disciplinary action even if no legal charges are filed.
Public reaction online
The video sparked backlash on Thai social media. Several users doubted that the man was a genuine monk hence could be wearing robes to receive free food or donations.Others commented that repeated reports of misconduct had made them stop donating to temples or monks. A similar case last year in Chiang Rai involved a monk criticized for hugging a foreign woman at a bus terminal, appearing under the influence. In January, Chon Buri authorities found three monks using methamphetamine in Ang Sila, along with pornographic materials.
Continued discussion and consciousness
The incident is one of the reminders of how monks are treated in Thailand and how people expect them to act morally. Although the monks are recognized as religious personalities, the abuse of robes or breaking of Buddhist codes tend to attract a lot of criticism.
According to observers, such controversies can be readily intensified by social media, for example, by reminding religious leaders of their ethical responsibilities, as well as by discussing the issue of accountability. The case illustrates the overlap between the legal rights, rules that are set by religion, and social expectations.
Watch the video here:
More from Wake Up Singapore:
Four Buddhist Monks Arrested in Thailand Monastery Raid—Drugs, Porn and Weapons Found
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