Monk Blocks Donation Box, Demands Cash Envelope at Nakhon Si Thammarat Temple
A monk at Nakhon Si Thammarat's Phra Borommathat Chedi temple refused a visitor's donation to the collection box, instead demanding cash in an envelope for land development, prompting complaints and concern ahead of the temple's UNESCO Worl
On July 21, 2025, a Nakhon Si Thammarat resident filed a complaint after recording video of a monk at the Phra Borommathat Chedi temple on July 18 refusing to accept her donation in the designated collection box. Instead, the monk sitting at a desk requested that she place cash in a white envelope, claiming the money was needed to purchase and develop land valued at around 500,000 baht. The uncomfortable tourist eventually donated a smaller amount in the envelope the monk provided, despite signage clearly instructing visitors to use the donation box.
The tour guide noted that prior to this encounter, the same tourist had already donated thousands of baht directly to the monk, contradicting posted instructions. This is not the first complaint of such behavior at this location. Temple authorities, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that similar issues have occurred before and that one internal investigation was conducted, but the problem persists. Officials say they will refer the matter to senior monks responsible for monitoring conduct within the temple.
Local residents have expressed concern that such incidents could harm the temple's reputation as the Phra Borommathat Chedi seeks UNESCO World Heritage designation and prepares to welcome more international visitors.
