BANGKOK: The Buddhist Office has initiated an investigation following the release of a video showing monks participating in a curse ceremony, which took place at a temple in Bangkok. The investigation confirmed that the individuals involved were indeed monks, and authorities have deemed their actions inappropriate.
According to Thai News Agency, the video was posted on the Facebook page ‘Born to be a spy, Ms. Spy,’ and depicted three monks performing a controversial ritual. The monks were seen using their shoes to slap a doll of a woman in a swimsuit, chanting while doing so. Several other dolls were also placed in front of them, leading many viewers to comment that the ritual resembled a Hong Kong-style ceremony.
Reporters reached out to Mr. Suphat Muangmatcha, Inspector of the National Office of Buddhism, who revealed that an initial investigation had found the ceremony was conducted by a monk last December. The ritual was performed by a Chinese individual according to their beliefs. The temple’s abbot was unaware of the incident until the video surfaced online. The three monks involved have been summoned and warned, as their behavior contravenes the Sangha Council’s prohibitions against monks engaging in witchcraft or related ceremonies. Such practices are not aligned with Buddhist teachings.
Further insights were sought from Phra Ratcha Thammanithet, also known as Phra Payom Kalyano, the abbot of Wat Suan Kaew in Nonthaburi Province. He expressed his surprise, stating that in his 75 years, he had never encountered such practices, which are not found in the Tripitaka. He emphasized the importance of adhering to Buddhist principles rather than resorting to black magic, warning that such actions could undermine the core tenets of Buddhism if left unchecked.