Mobiles phones inimical to God’s call: Thais

BANGKOK, Feb 22: Most Thais surveyed believe that Buddhist monks shouldn’t own or use mobile phones, one of the most popular possessions in Thailand, according to a poll released on today. Nearly 70 per cent of the 1,683 people surveyed in Bangkok and surrounding provinces said it was inappropriate for monks to use mobile phones because they are worldly things.

The poll was conducted by the Suan Dusit Rajabhat Institute, a teachers’ college. No margin of error was given. The Buddhist religion teaches renunciation of material possessions and desires as the path to relieve suffering, and according to the rules of the clergy, monks are permitted to own their saffron robes and little else.

Some monks in Thailand have been criticised, however, for building palatial residences and traveling in luxury automobiles. Mobile phones are ubiquitous in Thailand, and owning the latest models is something of a status symbol.