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Recently, a YouTube video was released and showed three Thai monks was travelling in a private jet. They were wearing stylish sunglasses, carrying luxury travel bags with modern-looking wireless headphones. This video caused criticism from Buddhists nationwide.

An officer of Thai National Buddhism general director Nopparat said on June 17^th that the agency saw the video early this year and had warned the monks from a monastery in Thailand's northeast not to repeat the lavish behavior.

Nopparat added: "When Lord Buddha was alive, there wasn't anything like this. There were no cars, smart phones or cameras, so the rules were much simpler. While the monks need to keep themselves abreast of new knowledge, current events and technology, they are restrained to choose the appropriate tools."

Nopparat said one way to prevent the monks from misbehaving is for followers not to spoil them with valuable objects or vices. "In many cases, it was the followers who gave the monks these things. Some bought them sports cars. This is by no means necessary."

The Buddhist monks in the video were acting "inappropriately, not composed and not adhering to Buddha's teachings of simplicity and self-restraint".

In 2012, about 300 Buddhist monks in Thailand were reprimanded because of their misconduct, ranging from alcohol consumption, having sex with women or extortion. The office also received complaints about monks driving cars, scams and false claims.

An administrative officer at Khantitham Temple in Sisaket province confirmed that the monks on the private plane lived at the temple but refused to give details about the trip.

"We can explain this, but not now," she said, saying that the abbot, who appeared in the video, is currently on a religious tour.

94% of Thai people believe in Buddhism. Thailand has made a variety of efforts to ensure their 2600-year Buddhism history can last, including the prohibition of alcohol during religious holidays.