AI-generated images depicting Buddhist monks playing electric guitars and racing motorcycles have prompted the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) to request a Cyber Police investigation. Reasons cited include potential discomfort for Buddhists and harm to the Sangha's image.
On Tuesday, Supat Mueangmatcha, a spokesperson for the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand, stated that the NOB had written to the Cyber Police to seek their assistance. The action came after the discovery of Facebook pages containing a total of 9 inappropriate images showing Buddhist monks playing musical instruments, racing motorcycles, and riding bicycles. The images were allegedly AI-generated.
Supat expressed concern that such images could potentially damage public perceptions of the Sangha and make Buddhists uncomfortable. According to press reports, the NOB asked for Cyber Police assistance in verifying that the images were AI-generated so that appropriate action, including the removal of images, can be taken.
Supat noted that there were a growing number of cases in which individuals used AI to create images that tarnished the reputation of the Thai monk community and caused public misunderstandings that monks were exhibiting improper behaviour.
He added that the NOB is ready to investigate images found to be genuine.
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