Holy ride? Monks’ speedboat clip goes viral

2026-03-18 - 10:51

A viral video showing a group of monks riding a high-speed water attraction at Kham Somboon Beach has sparked widespread debate online, drawing nearly 8 million views. The clip shows several monks seated on a banana boat-style ride shaped like a colourful car, being pulled at speed across Bueng Khong Long by a jet ski. The unusual scene quickly gained traction on social media, prompting mixed reactions, with some users amused and others criticising the behaviour as inappropriate. On 18 March, a 65-year-old operator of the water attraction at Kham Somboon Beach said the incident took place shortly after noon the previous day. He said a group of five monks approached his shop and asked to try the ride, saying they wanted the experience “once in a lifetime.” The operator said the monks, believed to be from Sakon Nakhon, were accompanied by one layperson. They paid 600 baht for a single round lasting about 10 minutes, which included a scenic ride and photo-taking before being towed at higher speed across the lake. After the ride, the group returned to shore and left without further activities, he added. The incident has led to calls from local residents for authorities to investigate the monks’ identities and temple affiliations, with some arguing the behaviour could affect the image of Buddhism.