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Two monks check out smart phones at a shop in the US. (Facebook photo)
Nopparat Benjawatananun, director-general of the National Office of Buddhism, rebuked such conduct after several
photographs circulated through the internet on Tuesday, showing six Thai monks checking out brand-name products
and smartphones, queuing to buy coffee, and dining at a steakhouse in the US.
"These activities should not be carried out by monks because they are indecent and not composed," Mr Nopparat
said.
He said the activities were not serious offences. The country's administration of Buddhism will determine actions to
be taken against the monks in the photos. Members of the National Office of Buddhism and the Sangha Supreme
Council will meet on Friday to discuss the matter.
"If a monk repeatedly misbehaves and it has become a habit, the National Office of Buddhism may consider imposing
a severe penalty on him, which means forcing him to leave monkhood," Mr Nopparat said.
Meanwhile, two senior monks are set to go head-to-head in a debate on the conduct of Buddhist monks.
Luang Pu Isara from Or Noi temple in Nakhon Pathom province said on Wednesday that he wanted to challenge
Luang Por Kasem Arjinnasilo, abbot of Samyaek temple in Phetchabun province, to a debate. Luang Por Kasem
previously appeared on television, putting his foot on a table holding alms donations.