Roller coaster monks
A photo of monks on a roller coaster is not serious breach of monastic rules, officials say.
The abbot of wat phra that doi suthep has admitted to being one of six monks in the photo, dubbed “the roller coaster monks”, said a report in the matichon newspaper, quoting the national office of Buddhism director-gen-eral nopparat benjawatananun.
The photo shows six monks sitting on a revenge of the mummy ride at universal studios in California.
Two of the monks are shown next to women, which could be a violation of monastic discipline barring monks from touching females.
The abbot, phar thep worasitthajarn, said the photo was taken two years ago during a visit to the us.
The abbot said his disciples invited him and his entourage to simply sit no the machine so they could take photo. The abbot insisted he did not go on the ride.
Mr nopparat said his office has informed phra thep worasitthajarn that his action is considered inppropriate for monks as it could provoke criticism. He also warned all monks to be mindful about their behavior.
Narong song-arom, director of the chiang mai branch of the Buddhism office, said the roller coaster picture was not a serious breach of coaster picture was not a serious breach of monastic rules. He also asked the public not to politicize the matter.
The abbot of wat phra that doi suthep has been in the news after performing a renewal rite for former prime minister yingluck shinawatra during her stay in chang mai last week.