PATTAYA, Thailand – On September 2nd, 2025, at 5:30 AM, Banglamung District Chief Nathaphob Yomjinda, alongside Phra Kru Phisal Jariyagorn, the abbot of Wat Tham Samakkee and head of Nakluea Subdistrict’s monastic community, led a joint operation to address complaints about monks engaging in improper alms collection.
The team, consisting of administrative officials, Chonburi’s Office of Buddhism, police, and local volunteers, inspected two bustling markets in Banglamung: Rompho Morning Market on Jomtien Second Road and Rattanakorn Market.
The operation split into two groups. At Rattanakorn Market in Thepprasit, authorities found three monks standing to receive alms, with nearby vendors selling pre-packaged food and flowers for offerings. The monks, identified as being from Wat Bun Kanjanaram (Wat Nong Phang Khae), were verbally reprimanded and instructed to adhere strictly to Buddhist disciplinary rules. Officials warned that repeat offenses would lead to immediate action under monastic regulations.
At Rompho Morning Market, two monks were observed arriving by car and standing to receive alms, a practice deemed inappropriate. After verifying their legitimacy, authorities issued similar warnings, stating that monks must walk to collect alms in accordance with Buddhist traditions, rather than standing or sitting to receive offerings.
Phra Kru Phisal Jariyagorn stressed that monks in the area have been repeatedly instructed to uphold strict adherence to Buddhist principles. “For first-time violations, we issue warnings and record the incident. However, repeat offenders will face decisive action under Buddhist regulations to preserve the integrity and public faith in Buddhism,” he said.
