July 16, 2008
Bangkok - Thai people gave alms to Buddhist monks less often due to sluggish economy while most people averagely gave alms to monks once a month, according to the Bangkok University’s poll.
808 people were surveyed on July 12-14. They were 18 years old up.
32.8% gave alms to monks in the past three months while 20.5% went to temples, 16.4% gave offerings to monks and 17.9% donated money, stuff or organs.
7.7% took precepts and meditated.
44.7% of those who gave alms to monks offered alms giving 1-3 times per month. The average alms giving was once a month.
56.6% said the current economy affected their alms giving. They had to reduce the number of alms giving time and money.
Most of them gave inexpensive alms and less money to cope with the sluggish economy and high cost of living.
43.4% said the economic situation did not affect their alms giving.
22.9% intended to give alms to monks during this coming Buddhist Lent while 18.9% would circle a temple with lighted candles, incense and flowers.
9.9% wanted to make offerings or monk’s bathing cloth to monks while 9.1% would present the Buddhist Lent candles, 9.1% also planned to take precepts or meditated and 8.2% wanted to listen to sermons.
6.8% would stay home on that religious holiday.
The number of people giving alms to monks dropped 24.1% from 47% last year.
