The edict, issued last Sunday (Aug 13), specifically mentioned people selling Thai amulets to Chinese tourists, and people fraudulently impersonating monks in order to sell amulets at greatly inflated prices.
Also noted was that it was “Chinese investors” primarily of concern in carrying out the practices.
Penalties will be imposed on monks that allow such practices at the temples, and criminal charges will be levied against all parties involved, the edict said.
Practices like those found at Wat Khao Chichan in Chon Buri will not be tolerated, said Inthaporn Chan-iam, Acting Director of the National Office of Buddhism.
Pol Col Pisit Sawatthavorn, Deputy Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 3, led the inspections at several main temples across Phuket yesterday.
Joining him were Ratchadaphon Oin of the Phuket Tourism and Sports office, Phuket Buddhism Office Director Veera Chamlong and officers from Phuket Immigration.
Among the temples inspected yesterday were Wat Ladthi Wanaram (Wat Tai) in Chalong, Wat Sawang Arom in Rawai, Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham in Phuket Town, Wat Kathu and Wat Srisoonthorn in Thalang.
The team inspected the temple areas and questioned leading monks at the temples, but no infractions were reported.