Why Some People in Thailand Become Monks After Committing Crimes.

The article discusses the practice of temporary ordination as a means of atonement in Thailand, particularly following a tragic incident at Bangkok's Rachawinit School where a fire extinguisher explosion resulted in the death of a student and injuries to others. In response to the tragedy, four firefighters involved in the fire drill became monks to express their remorse, a ritual known as "buat na fai," which is traditionally reserved for relatives of the deceased but can be extended to others. While this practice is seen as a way to make merit and show moral responsibility, concerns have been raised about its potential misuse as a superficial remedy for wrongdoing, reflecting broader issues regarding the reputation of Buddhism in Thailand amidst various scandals. The article highlights the societal implications of such ordinations and the ongoing debate about their effectiveness in achieving genuine accountability. [Extracted from the article]