As part of their Thailand retreat, Miss Universe New Zealand hopefuls spent six hours yesterday “immersing themselves in Buddhist culture” at Phra Dhammakaya Temple — you know, the monastery infamous for its commercialization of Buddhism and alleged money-laundering ex-abbot.
The pageant’s 20 finalists touched down in Thailand on Monday for a week-long retreat that promises luxury, fun and, of course, the grand final swimwear shoot. ‘Sup, ladies.
Contestants yesterday — Day 3 of the retreat — paid homage to the world’s most heavily Buddhist country by participating in meditation at the Phra Dhammakaya Temple, located on the outskirts of Bangkok. To keep the namaste theme going, they then headed off to a spa treatment at the Mandarin Hotel. Of such is the path to nirvana.
Apart from famously holding a Guinness World Record for organizing the longest journey walking on flower petals in 2015, the temple has a less flattering reputation. In 2016, the temple’s former abbot, Phra Dhammachayo, and four other monks were accused of laundering more than THB1 billion (about US$31 million) of embezzled funds.
Phra Dhammachayo, to this day, has never been caught, amidst media speculation that he has fled the country.
Either way, the contestants are scheduled to next head to another true capital of Buddhist enlightenment — Pattaya — according to their social media account.
In case you’re interested, Miss Universe New Zealand’s Grand Final will be held on Saturday, Aug. 12, in Auckland and will live-streamed on their website.
