On the streets of Bangkok, there are three Buddhist monks, dressed in their well-known orange cloaks, each holding a large "pot" of polished steel, used as a platter for charity. Like every day, they wait for devoted people to thank them by providing them with food.
Many do it with pleasure, however, the only problem is that junk food causes obesity. According to official data, about half of the Thai monks (48%) (up to 250,000 monks) are obese.
The German News Agency reported that more Thai monks are suffering from health problems, with 28.5% of them being sick in 2016, compared to 17.5% 10 years ago; revealed the deputy head of the Department of Health of Thailand.
"The main reason behind this is food. The Thai food contains lots of coconut milk, pork and chicken meats, all of which are full of saturated fatty acids" which slow metabolism and cause obesity, the deputy added. The monks cannot pick the food they eat; they only have what people offer them.
Although this has been the case for more than 2,500 years, food has changed in Thailand as well, becoming greasier and high in sugar. Through charity, Buddhists can collect "karma points" (good deeds), good works bring rewards to them in the future. However, many monks do not want this help.
For instance, Monk Sitescu weighs about 130 kilograms and his doctor advised him to follow a diet, however, he insists on consuming sugary drinks. "Water alone does not kill the thirst. It's hard to get rid of old habits, "said the 34-year-old monk." But I'm in good health. I have no health problems."
