The National Office of Buddhism (NOB) is formulating new rules to regulate the conducts of monks receiving alms from the public and promote a positive image in line with Vinaya Pitaka teachings.
Sipboworn Kaewngam, an inspector and spokesman at the office, said the Secretary Office of the Sangha Supreme Council of National Office of Buddhism initiated the idea and sent a follow-up letter to the director of the NOB on July 20.
Mr Sipboworn said that in the letter, the director was asked to make a proposal involving strict rules based on the teachings of Vinaya Pitaka, one of three Buddhist scriptures, regulating the conduct of monks receiving food.
An NOB committee has been considering what rules of conduct to suggest. It is expected to hand its proposal to the Sangha Supreme Council on Monday.
Mr Sipboworn noted a set of proposed rules of conduct has been drafted, and the punishment for those who break them are in line with the teachings of the scripture.
The potential new regulations were compiled with high standards of conduct in mind, as some monks may not know every word in the scripture, and will have to deal with complaints regarding bad manners, he said.
According to the letter, citizens have complained about the timing of food offering activities by some monks.
There were other complaints about portions, sharing, restaurants, and the display of flowers, incense and candles on the road.
The Secretary's Office of the Sangha Supreme Council suggested in the letter that monks only go out for alms when the sun rises and return to their temples at about 8pm.
It also said monks are prohibited from sitting down or visiting restaurants when seeking food.
While receiving alms, monks are forbidden from smoking, wearing shoes, sharing food, discarding flower offerings or receiving money.
They are also prohibited from praying for the dead.
According to Vinaya Pitaka teachings, abbots are required to ensure monks in their charge are properly managed in accordance with the scripture.