Is it appropriate for a monk to receive a car, worth 2 million kroner, as a gift?
That’s the question many are asking themselves on Thai social media.
It all started after the picture of the monk and the luxury car, a BMW Series 7, was posted on Facebook.
The monk, named Luang Ta Sinsap Jaranathammo, is well known for his sermons and is often on the move.
“We wanted to offer the most valuable and dignified vehicle for him to use in his travels to further spread the goodness of Buddhism,” writes Mae Chee Zhen, who was one of the people behind the gift.
“Why shouldn’t I accept it?”
Since monks are expected to do what is ethically right and live a life of abstinence, the BMW issue has become a hot topic of debate in society.
The monk himself takes the criticism in stride.
“People give good and valuable things, so why should I not accept the gift? Even if I don’t use it, they would be disappointed. Never mind the BMW, they would even dare to buy me a Rolls-Royce,” he replied.