Thai monk receives 6,898,000 Baht BMW 750e sparks controversy: Conflict between spirituality and materialism?

Recently, the incident of a Thai monk accepting a BMW Series 7 has sparked heated discussion on Thai social media, with many considering it against the precepts for a monk to accept such costly worldly gifts. As monks are often required to strictly adhere to the precepts and to practice righteousness and good deeds while staying away from the stimuli of the outside world, it seems out of place for them to be associated with a luxury sports car. It is said that the luxury sports car is a BMW 750e with a starting price of 6,898,000 Thai baht in Thailand.

Mae Chee Zhun Wat Pa Bo Nam Phra In posted a photo on social media is of a nun and temple disciple offering a BMW Series 7 to Luang Ta Sinsap Jaranathammo. According to the picture, the donated car is a BMW 750e, which is priced at about 6,898,000 Thai baht in Thailand.

There has long been controversy over monks accepting luxury sports cars. Some people believe that monks should adhere to Buddhist precepts, stay away from material temptations, and therefore see accepting expensive gifts as going against religious belief; whereas others argue that donors give out of devotion and that monks can use donations to improve temple conditions or carry out charitable activities without violating the precepts. On May 20, Luang Ta Sinsap stated that his acceptance of donations is not based on whether it is a luxury car or not, but lies in the care and faith behind the donation.

As for the offering of the BMW Series 7 to Luang Ta Sinsap, Mae Chee Zen said that since Luang Ta Sinsap often travels for invited activities, they collectively bought a BMW 750e to offer to Luang Ta of Wat Pa Bo Nam Phra In for travel purposes to further the spread of Buddhism.