Thai Actor Distances Faith From Corrupt Monks
Thai entertainer Mam Jok Mok says recent monastic scandals have shaken public confidence in individual monks, not Buddhism itself, while urging people to distinguish between the religion and those who fail to practice properly.
Following news of Somchai Chotputtaisawan, a former abbot at Putthaithasawan Temple in Ayutthaya province, entertainment news outlets spoke with Thai personality Mam Jok Mok at a media event for a digital platform launch by Channel 7HD on September 17th.
Mam Jok Mok acknowledged that recent monastic scandals have made people hesitant and uncertain about making merit, but stressed that she personally maintains strong faith in Buddhism and Buddha images. She emphasized the need to distinguish between Buddhism itself and individuals who have taken monastic vows, arguing that those not ready to practice properly should not ordain in the first place.
She also suggested that making merit through hospitals or for disabled children remains worthwhile. However, she objected to people mocking monks or using religious imagery for content creation, calling it inappropriate. Regarding a potential reunion of her entertainment group, she acknowledged it would be difficult given changing times and audience perspectives.
"People should have been aware of these issues long before now, but if someone isn't prepared to be a proper monk, they shouldn't ordain at all. It discourages others from making merit donations," she said. "People haven't lost faith in Buddhism itself—they've lost faith in certain monks who ordained."
When asked if such news affects her personal worship, Mam Jok Mok replied: "No. I worship Buddha images and Buddhism. These are separate things. I distinguish between the two. I believe that Buddha and Buddhism are pure, but some monks—based on the news—may not be. But that doesn't shake people's faith in Buddhism; it shakes faith in those specific individuals who ordained."
Regarding changes in how people make merit, she noted that while some may have doubts, those with genuine faith are not swayed. She observed that many people are now directing donations to hospitals and children's charities instead, which she sees as equally valuable.
Mam Jok Mok also cautioned against the trend of people creating parody videos mimicking monks and scandals, saying it is disrespectful and inappropriate. "It's not funny to mock monks," she said.
