Monks Macking Online

The Thai government is investigating claims that Buddhist monks are using the social networking website hi5 to flirt with women. Buddhist monks are supposed to be celibate, and even refrain from most contact with women, so this is majorly against the rules. “We urge people who use the site to tell monks to leave,’’ Chakrapob Penkair, a minister attached to the Prime Minister’s office, said in an AP article. “Other users need to show them that it is inappropriate for monks to chat with women online.’’ While the government is exploring the possibility of blocking hi5, it is supposedly the most popular social networking site in Thailand. Plus, they do not want to restrict monks from using the internet completely. According to a senior culture ministry official, “Cyberspace can be very useful for monks.” [Charleston Daily Mail]