NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Thailand – Thai police and immigration officials on Friday investigated a group of nine Hong Kong nationals found live-streaming sales of Buddhist amulets at the historic Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan temple.
The group was discovered using the sacred Great Noble Relics Stupa as a backdrop to sell “Luang Pu Thuat” and “Jatukam Ramathep” amulets, sparking discontent among local residents. Following an urgent order from the provincial governor, the National Office of Buddhism and police halted the broadcast and detained the group for questioning.
Police Maj. Gen. Suthat Songsayom, Deputy Commander of Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Police, said the individuals entered on tourist visas. While they claimed an assistant abbot had granted permission for “site promotion,” officials found their actions were purely commercial.
“We cannot legally charge them under existing laws, but their behavior was highly inappropriate at this sacred site,” Suthat said, noting the sensitivity of the incident to local believers. The group was issued a formal warning and released. (TNA)
