The most transgressions occurred while making alms rounds, according to figures from the Office of National Buddhism, which found 376 monks and novices had breached the code by inappropriate attire or comportment while making alms rounds or collecting only money, a spokesman for the council said.

Seventy-eight monks or novices had breached the code by staying overnight in community areas or at people's homes, 26 had gambled or taken drugs, 25 were deemed "misguided" and two had had sexual relations with women, the spokesman said.

Almost one-third of the misbehaviour occurred in Bangkok were 168 monks and novices had violated the code, compared to 344 in the rest of the country and one who lived abroad, the spokesman said.

Warnings were issued to 233 monks and novices, 168 put on probation and 72 were disrobed, the spokesman said, adding that individuals who had disguised themselves as monks to collect money had been handed over to the police.