Thai monks ordered not to use social media ‘inappropriately’
Monks’ superiors told to take appropriate action against those who don’t follow the new rules
The head of the monastic community in the north of Thailand has issued an order requiring monks and novices to strictly follow the law and code of conduct, and refrain from inappropriate use of social media.
The order directs senior members of the monastic governing hierarchy in the region to deal with any misbehaviour, which includes activities out of keeping with the monk’s gender at birth.
The order, issued by Phra Wisutthiwongsacharn, chief of the monastic committee for the northern region, follows similar orders issued over the last week by his counterparts governing monks in Bangkok, the central region, the eastern region, the southern region and Dhammayut sect.
Monks’ superiors must make sure those under their supervision abide by the monastic disciplines and the country’s laws, and must take appropriate action against those who fail to behave.
Inappropriate behaviour cited in the orders includes improper use of social media and expressing comments deemed to incite public disorder or undermine national security.
The orders issued by the monastic chiefs in Bangkok, the central region, the eastern region, and the northern region also ban sales of lucky charms in ubosot (prayer or ordination halls) and prohibit the advertising of talisman-making on temple grounds.
The orders instruct temples that have erected such advertisements to take them down and suspend the manufacture of the charms.
