AS IT IS 2016-02-17 Buddhist Monks, Troops Clash in Thailand

（单词翻译）

AS IT IS 2016-02-17 Buddhist¹ Monks³, Troops Clash in Thailand

Buddhist monks fought with troops in Thailand on Monday during a protest against government interference.

Television reports showed troops and monks clashing after the soldiers tried to stop them from entering a park in Nakhon Pathom province, west of Bangkok.

Some protestors held signs calling on the government to name Buddhism⁴ as the country’s national religion.

Most Thais are Buddhists⁵. There is fighting over which monk² will lead them. The top candidate is 90 years old and being investigated for financial crimes. Last year, Thai Buddhism’s ruling Sangha Supreme⁶ Council said the monk was not guilty of charges he had stolen millions of dollars.

Critics say Thai Buddhism has been hurt by leaders who have many luxuries, use illegal drugs and have improper⁷ sexual relations.

Buddha⁸ Issara is an activist⁹ monk. He says “we need to reform Thai Buddhism because it has become rotten…”

Words in This Story

luxury – n. something that is expensive and not necessary

rotten – adj. not morally good