Thai Monk Travels by Boat With Dogs

In Thailand’s Pathum Thani province, monk Luang Por Chamnan travels the Chao Phraya River each morning with roughly 20 dogs. The monk uses a boat to reach communities along the riverbanks, accepting food as part of a Buddhist practice. The tradition began with a single white dog left at Wat Chin Wararam temple, and grew as people continued to leave animals there.

Local residents say the dogs add warmth to the morning ritual and give them strength. The monk treats caring for the dogs as equal to his temple duties, seeing them as creatures deserving of a home. The scene has become a familiar, comforting sight for people along the river.

The temple currently shelters about 20 dogs, and the monk continues his daily journey, blending spiritual practice with animal care. The article does not detail how the temple sustains the dogs long-term, or what happens if the monk is unable to continue his journey.