Beer and Buddha

Buddhism is based on 5 Precepts: Avoid 1) killing, 2) stealing, 3) sexual misconduct, 4) lying, and 5) intoxication (both drugs and alcohol).  This final precept is practiced in many ways throughout Thailand.  Stores are not allowed to sell alcohol on Buddhist holidays, but the most prominent expression is at temples — it is prohibited (even illegal, with prison time or fines) to sell or drink alcohol on temple premises.  This sign reminds visitors:

“Do not sell or drink alcohol inside the temple”

Yet, people are willing to bend the rules sometimes… smaller shops will sell drinks on holidays if they are gently persuaded by the customer.  Money talks, really.

So I laughed the other day when I passed a temple under contruction.  They were preparing for a dedication ceremony of some sort, with chairs set up under portable awnings for shade.  These awnings are a common sight around the city (shade is a wonderful thing here) and are usually plastered with a company name.  And what brand was all over the awnings at the temple?

“CHANG PREMIUM QUALITY DRAUGHT BEER, PRIDE OF THAILAND.”

I don’t know if the Chang company was making merit by donating awnings, or if the people setting up the awnings just got ahold of the Chang ones first or for a low price.  Either way, while drinking at a temple is out of the question, advertising for a beer company is perfectly acceptable.  This is Thailand.