Investigation launched after monk begs donations ahead of UNESCO decision

The Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat province has launched a disciplinary investigation into a resident monk caught soliciting direct cash donations from tourists, a controversy that has erupted just four days before the historic temple undergoes UNESCO World Heritage consideration.

The scandal sparked widespread online outrage following the release of video footage, recorded on July 18, showing the monk approaching tourists near the stairs leading to the Pradakshina courtyard, or ‘Song Ma Vihara’.

In the footage, the monk is seen handing donation envelopes directly to visitors who were about to drop money into the temple's official donation boxes, claiming that he needed 500,000 baht to purchase and backfill land. The behaviour caused significant discomfort among visitors and drew fierce criticism regarding its timing.

Public Relations Officer Chalerm Jittramart acknowledged the incident today, revealing that the same monk had previously committed a similar infraction and was barred from sitting or engaging in activities in that area without an official invitation.

Following this repeated offense, temple management immediately submitted the evidence to ecclesiastical authorities to pursue decisive disciplinary action against the monk.

Temple officials issued an urgent plea urging all tourists and devotees to make contributions exclusively through official donation boxes or to request official donation certificates at designated service points.

The measure aims to ensure transparency, accountability and prevent public donations from being misused by individuals or errant monks.

Despite the controversy, tourist turnout at the 1,500-year-old temple remained high on July 21, with an increasing number of Thai and foreign visitors arriving to admire the ancient pagoda and surrounding heritage site.

If approved by UNESCO during its upcoming meeting in Busan, South Korea, Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple will become Southern Thailand's first cultural World Heritage site and the ninth overall for the nation.