Fake monk blessing scam

How this scam works

Around tourist areas in Bangkok (especially near Khao San Road, Grand Palace, and MBK Center) and Chiang Mai, people dressed as Buddhist monks approach tourists and offer blessings, amulets, or bracelets. They tie a string bracelet on your wrist, perform a brief 'blessing,' and then request a 'donation' of 500-2,000 THB. Real monks in Thailand follow strict rules (vinaya) that prohibit them from soliciting money directly from laypeople — donations to monks are always voluntary and usually given during alms rounds (early morning) or at the temple. Monks approaching tourists on the street for money are almost certainly fake or breaking religious rules. Some are actually not ordained at all.