Showing 1 - 10 of 13
Beyond the Buddha
Life, Suwitcha Chaiyong, Published on 01/05/2024
» As a traveller and photographer, Kamthorn Paowattanasuk enjoys visiting temples. While most people like to take photos at famous spots or with well-known sculptures, Kamthorn is interested in temple structures repaired using substitute materials. For example, what used to be a sermon hall made from wood was replaced with cement because wood is too expensive. In another temple, wooden handrails in an ordination hall and the temple gates were replaced with alloy.
Worthy of the enlightened
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 15/11/2017
» The royal cremation for King Bhumibol Adulyadej last month was a moment of historic importance. Nonetheless, another important task relating to the ceremony is still under way.
Sangha reform: Monks getting rich off of temple donations
Jon Fernquest, Published on 24/03/2017
» Monks accumulating wealth from temple donations goes against ancient Sangha rules, but govt laws to regulate & audit donations & monk wealth have sparked protests.
Monk played stock market with failed credit union funds?
Jon Fernquest, Published on 16/03/2017
» Monks cannot even touch money according to ancient rules. Latest news has monks speculating on stock market with funds from failed credit union using lay nominees.
Sangha Act: Changes in laws on monks & money
Jon Fernquest, Published on 24/02/2017
» New prohibitions on monks receiving large amounts of money or inheriting assets & property from their family as well as improving the management of temple funds included in new law.
90-year-old new Supreme Patriarch is much-loved figure
Jon Fernquest, Published on 14/02/2017
» On Sunday, His Majesty the King presided over the investiture of the new Supreme Patriarch of Thailand on Sunday who has served as a model for living the life of a monk.
Angel dolls: Sacred or superstition?
Jon Fernquest, Published on 27/01/2016
» Angel dolls ease fears & bring peace-of-mind say some monks. Doll owner fantasy world wasteful of money poor children could use, say others.
Focus not on the scandals
Life, Patcharawalai Sanyanusin, Published on 04/03/2015
» Many Thai Buddhists are having a hard time staying calm following incidents in the monastic community that have gripped the nation over the past few weeks.
Phra Dhammachayo: Charges of corruption renewed
Jon Fernquest, Published on 19/02/2015
» Late supreme patriarch wanted him expelled for violating monks' code of conduct (Patimokkha) & now another violation looms in 12-billion-baht embezzlement case.
Ousting one monk won't save the clergy
News, Sanitsuda Ekachai, Published on 20/08/2014
» With reform being the mantra of the moment, it was no surprise when the military junta finally cast its stern eye onto a clergy that is plagued by corruption and wayward monks.