A clip of three Buddhist monks riding in a private jet was uploaded to YouTube has riled the public who find the depiction of luxury at odds with the teachings of Buddhism. According to the Bangkok Post, the three monks are seen wearing designer sunglasses and sporting Luis Vuitton bags.
Nopparat Benjawatananun, the director of the National Office of Buddhism, which received complaints generated from the vid, told the Post that the three monks depicted will be investigated:
"We have found a photo of three monks on a private jet and these monks normally stay at a temple in Si Sa Ket. If the answer is yes, we will ask the local monastic chief to punish those involved."
He added that there were also reports of monks keeping luxury sports cars at their temples.
"I cannot tell you which temples or who the monks are but the National Office of Buddhism has verbally warned them," Nopparat added.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com