Mafia of Fake Chinese Monks Prey on Thailand Tourist

http://www.hobotraveler.com/blogger.html A Mafia of Fake Monks from China has entered Thailand in the last few months. Local Thailand vendors are reporting a big jump in the number of Fake Monks. Encountering Fake Monks has always been a problem as Thailand people sometime dons a robe to earn easy money by requesting alms from naïve Tourist, however now it has become organized.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Monk
• Thailand
• Thai
• Buddhist
• Buddhism
• Khao
• San
• Road
• Chinese
• Alms
• Beggars
• Mafia
• Organized
• Crime
• Warnings
• Money
• Baht
• Wat

[HoboTraveler]

This is Andy, maker of this Video, I use Thailand as my airport base for travel. I have traveled perpetually for over 10 years and 77 countries. How many times in Thailand. I have flown in and out of Thailand maybe 30 times in the last five years as I stage trips to other parts of the planet.

[yuttadhammo]

You seem really upset... perhaps you could use some meditation? Then you might think again about the lazy comment. Really, just because people give you stuff doesn't make you lazy... we eat once a day, abstain from all sexuality, and refrain from entertainment, luxury and all forms of money. I really think you are uninformed in your comments... may you be happy :)

[aromchuen]

It's so simple! Monks never leave the monastary except for in the veeeery early morning to get alms from people (food). They never go out "for a walk" like that. They also don't leave their monastary after dark unless there's a special reaason for that.

And yes, they dont wear pants and sneakers.

I should know, I've been a monk in thailand.

[pipercharles12]

Great info, thanks.

[izovire]

These guys are really popular in Hong Kong... I lived there 4 years and the same exact ones bothered me every day. I also sometimes saw them smoking, drinking beer, and using their mobile phones. Later at night you can find them spending tourist's money at the bar. (they're usually dressed different).

I hate them... they are the most disgusting people in HK

[warchild1976]

@Mi37591 lol i noticed that

[victor706103]

Those fake monks were disgracing buddhism. They dressed up as Chinese Mahayama not Theravada style. They always appear at corded and attractive areas to confuse tourists who dont understand Buddhist rituals. Those fake monks are always cheating in China sailing fake amulet and other relating things.Real buddhist monks only accept food at morning, donation is acceptable in temple. But fake monks only wants your cash, you can tell from they cunning faces! Shame on them~

[lansinglambert]

they are not 'necessarily' fake. Buddishm also has many branches with very different customs. In China, it is ok for monks to touch money, and they always wear the shoes like that. However, in any place, monks are not supposed to eat meat, and cannot drink alcohol etc.

[tktru]

@thichthongtrang Thay, I think it depends on how these people act externally. Surely one must recall that the Buddha laid down the law for his disciples and for those who have truly have the slightest pinch of compassion within will not go as far as pretending to be a fake monk.

[tktru]

Generally all novice Buddhist monks---Theravada or Mahayana regardless of nationality--- have a rule when they first ordain. According to the tenth precept, monks should strive to abstain from taking money or hoarding any jewels or gems, just so that one's pursuit for enlightenment is not overshadowed by material gain. I feel sorry for the real Chinese Mahayana monks in Thailand because I feel that they will be heavily discriminated against because these fakes are going out there soliciting cash

[xInfamousRealm]

@HoboTraveler nice show off. who the fuck care?

[DreamBrutal]

Real theravada monk don't touch money. They dont eat any food after noon time.

[Mi37591]

Fake monks are sensitive to cameras and walk faster.