Getting up to monk business at malls

Bangkok, Thailand - Shoppers in Thailand will soon be able to get their daily dose of dharma under a plan to install monks in supermarkets.

Under the "meet the monk in a quiet corner" project, the ministry of culture plans to rent out space in stores throughout the country where shoppers can have a quiet chat with clergy in a bid to bring people closer to religion.

"People nowadays have no time to go to temples, only shopping malls. They can get closer to religion if we provide the opportunity," Culture Minister Uraiwan Thienthong said at the weekend.

Shoppers will be encouraged to participate in religious activities at the malls, and films and comics with a religious theme will be available for children.