Sing Buri monk churning out free facemasks

Pornchai Siriphattho, 61, repaired sewing machines before he became a monk – and he knows how to sew.
“Facemasks are selling for high prices and they’re hard to come by in rural areas,” he said. “That’s why I started making them for the other monks and the novices, using fabric from old clothes, and I give them away to people who come here to make merit.”

If the lay recipients pay him for the masks with a donation, he uses the money to buy fabric, elastic bands and thread.
“I have no intention of selling them for a profit and I’m willing to teach anyone who’s interested for free how to make them. There are seven sewing machines at the temple, plus other equipment and raw materials.”

Kabinburi district chief Sutthiphong Phutthachantra applauded Phra Pornchai for his willingness to share the skill, saying it’s a talent much needed amid concerns that the Covid-19 virus has depleted supplies.
“I’m going to have people from the district administration offices trained at the temple,” he said. “After that, they’ll be encouraged to train people in the wider area, with the support of the district office for anyone who wants to make it a part-time job.”