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Video of the saffron-robed monk gently trying to push away the
cat that crawled into his lap has delighted Thais who viewed the
footage on a temple follower's Facebook page.
Respect for all living beings is a key tenet of Buddhism,
practised by about 95% of Thailand's population.
After several attempts to repel the cat - who climbed up his
saffron-coloured robe, kneaded his shoulder and blocked the view
to his scripture book - the monk finally gave up and started
petting the furry intruder.
"I was trying to read the book. But I was more focused on the
cat," said the 25-year-monk, who uses the monastic name Luang Pi
Komkrit Taechachoto.
The cat's antics also drew a stern side-eye from a more senior
monk seated adjacent to it at Wat Udomrangsi, a temple on the
outskirts of Bangkok where the cat is known to be a regular
visitor.
Nophayong Sookphan, who took the video, said the cat jumped on
stage at around 15 minutes to midnight and wouldn't leave until
after the countdown to New Year's Day.
She originally posted the video on a public Facebook group named
"Cats' Slaves", and it was soon reposted on different pages. The
footage has gained around 300,000 views collectively and was
also replayed on Thai TV.
Thailand has a tradition of free-roaming cats at its many
Buddhist temples. Wat Udomrangsi is home to at least a dozen
stray cats, who are fed by devotees each day, Komkrit said.
"They're all fat," he added.
(Writing by Kay Johnson; Editing by Jan Harvey)
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