17 'inappropriate' Myanmar monks fined
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MAWLAMYINE - Seventeen Buddhist monks in Mon State have been fined for inappropriate behaviours, according to the sangha patron committee.
Three cases involved asking for alms and donations improperly, three of riding motorcycles, 10 of driving cars and one of using a teashop.
“There were accidents caused by monks riding motorcycles and the sangha committee has instructed us to take care of these activities. We have called a meeting with the government to patrol 10 times a day during Buddhist lent,” said Van Badantarsasana, the chairperson of the Mawlamyine-based sangha patron committee.
The fines are Ks50,000 (US$39) for a first violation, Ks100,000 for a second and Ks150,000 for a third when their vehicles will be seized, they will be disrobed and face prosecution in court, like normal citizens.
The fines are sent to the state sangha committee and detained monks were released after signing a pledge.
Three patrol teams are stationed at the city gates and its central places. Mawlamyine is home to more than 5,000 monks and 305 monasteries.
