'Wayward Monk'? Thailand in Turmoil Over Photo Circulation

Rock Band Performance and Motorcycle Racing on Stage
AI-Generated Fake Monk Photos Cause Trouble
Thai Government Announces Strong Response to Fake Photos

Fake photos of monks created using artificial intelligence (AI) are trending online in Thailand. In the photos, the monks are seen engaging in unbelievable mischief, such as playing electric guitars on a stage with flashing lights or racing motorcycles at a racing track.

A fake photo created using artificial intelligence (AI) showing Thai monks racing motorcycles.
[Photo by Facebook]

According to foreign media reports on the 19th (local time), the Thai National Office of Buddhism recently urged the police to investigate those who created and distributed these AI-generated photos. The reason is that producing and spreading fake photos depicting monks' inappropriate behavior has caused misunderstandings and damaged the reputation of Buddhism.

Fake photos portraying monks forming a heavy metal band and performing wildly in front of the public, monks racing motorcycles at a racing track, and monks drinking alcohol and smoking in bars have brought laughter to many, but the Buddhist community and government responses have been serious.

A fake photo created using artificial intelligence (AI) showing Thai monks performing a rock concert.
[Photo by Facebook]

A representative from the Thai Prime Minister's Office also issued a stern warning not to distribute such fake photos.

Local media reported, "Those who first distribute fake photos could be punished under the 'Cybercrime Act' for generating and distributing false information via computers, which carries a possible prison sentence of up to five years."

Putin and Joe Biden Wearing Monk Robes and Performing Buddhist Rites... Thai Government to Take Strong Measures

This is not the first time fake photos themed around Buddhism have caused controversy in Thailand. In March, a fake photo circulated showing Russian President Vladimir Putin wearing monk robes and performing Buddhist rites at a temple, along with false information claiming that "President Putin has converted to Buddhism."

The fake news and photos about Putin converting to Buddhism spread beyond Thailand to social media worldwide. Subsequently, fake photos of U.S. President Joe Biden and Hollywood actors wearing monk robes and performing Buddhist rites also became popular.

An AI-generated fake photo showing Russian President Vladimir Putin performing Buddhist prayers. This photo was also used to spread fake news claiming that President Putin had converted to Buddhism.
[Photo by Facebook]

As such fake photos mocking Buddhism continue to spread, the Thai government and Buddhist community declared, "We can no longer tolerate the damage to the image of Buddhism, which is a national representative brand," and have taken a strong stance.

However, young Buddhist believers have responded coldly, calling it an "outdated measure." Although the majority of Thai people are Buddhists, the number of enthusiastic believers who visit temples to perform Buddhist rites is steadily decreasing. As a result, the number of Thai monks has dropped to about one-quarter compared to 20 years ago.

A Thai media outlet pointed out in a column, "More than 43,000 Buddhist temples are at risk of being abandoned due to neglect by believers," and added, "The Buddhist community should spend time on real issues rather than getting excited over AI-generated photos."