Vietnamese Buddhist ascetic Thich Minh Tue, known for his 2024 barefoot pilgrimage across Vietnam, is continuing his journey on foot to India.* The 43-year-old monk, accompanied by a small group of fellow monastics, has traveled through Thailand over the past two months, walking an average of 20 kilometers per day. However, logistical and geopolitical challenges threaten to impede his progress as he approaches Thailand’s border with Myanmar.

Speaking at Wat Udom Pattana, a Buddhist temple in Thailand’s Nakhon Sawan Province, Thich Minh Tue described his pilgrimage as an act of gratitude to the Buddha. “I want to be grateful to the Buddha, who has shown me and others the path of learning,” he said. “I want to walk there to repay his gratitude and hope that all people in the world will be happy and peaceful and learn according to Buddha’s teachings.” (Radio Free Asia)

Thich Minh Tue began his international journey in December 2024, crossing from Vietnam into Laos before entering Thailand. Wearing a patched, multicolored robe rather than the traditional saffron-colored robes of Theravada monks, he carries only a rice cooker pot as an alms bowl. His austere approach has drawn significant public attention, particularly in Vietnam, where his pilgrimage became a social media phenomenon last year.

Despite widespread support from laypeople along his route, his journey has not been without obstacles. The upcoming hot season in Thailand, combined with air pollution from agricultural burning, has made conditions increasingly difficult. Additionally, one of the monks traveling with him has suffered a knee injury, slowing their pace.

Another significant issue is his Thai visa, which is due to expire within a week. The Thai authorities have not responded to inquiries about a possible extension, leaving his immediate travel plans uncertain.

The greatest challenge for Thich Minh Tue remains crossing into Myanmar, a country embroiled in civil conflict since a military coup in 2021. The mendicant had initially planned to enter Myanmar through Mae Sot, a border town in western Thailand, but ongoing clashes between Myanmar’s military and opposition forces have made this route increasingly dangerous.

Instead, Thich Minh Tue has expressed a preference to cross into Myanmar’s Shan State via Mae Sai, a northern Thai border town. However, security experts have warned that even this route remains volatile.

Thailand-based Myanmar dissident and labor rights activist Moe Kyaw told RFA that he estimated Thich Minh Tue’s chances of successfully traversing Myanmar at just 1 per cent. “There’d be too many challenges. I simply don’t think it’s possible,” he said. (Radio Free Asia)

Human rights analyst David Mathieson also cast doubt on whether Myanmar’s military government would permit Thich Minh Tue to enter the country. “They probably also don’t want to take the risk of having him or his followers injured by an airstrike, a drone attack, or a landmine,” Mathieson stated, noting that large public gatherings could also be seen as a threat by the ruling junta. (Radio Free Asia)

With uncertainty surrounding a Myanmar crossing, alternative options are being considered. One possibility is bypassing Myanmar entirely by flying from Thailand to Sri Lanka before continuing to India. This route would symbolically trace the historical spread of Buddhism from India to Sri Lanka and then to Southeast Asia.

Former Vietnamese security officer Doan Van Bau, who previously accompanied the Tue, has urged the group to avoid Myanmar and to fly directly to Bangladesh or India. Bau has since parted ways with the traveling monks after reported disagreements.

Bau, 58, told reporters, “I saw how he strictly adheres to the Buddhist commandments, never lets up for a moment, is modest and patient and at the same time has enormous compassion and great wisdom.” (The Star)

Thich Minh Tue has not yet decided on his next steps. “If the route crossing into Myanmar is convenient, then I will walk from Thailand into Myanmar,” he said. “If Sri Lanka is better, then I will take this route.” (Radio Free Asia)

Although the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha has not officially recognized Thich Minh Tue, his pilgrimage has drawn widespread admiration in Vietnam. His humble lifestyle and commitment to Buddhist austerity practices, known as dhutanga, have resonated with many. The Vietnamese authorities, however, have been wary of his growing popularity. Last year, officials declared that Thich Minh Tue had “voluntarily retired,” although his continued journey suggests otherwise. (Radio Free Asia)

While Thich Minh Tue remains relatively unknown in Thailand, local villagers have welcomed him with offerings of alms and water. Police along the way have also paid their respects. His travels are closely followed by Vietnamese supporters on social media, with some gathering to meet him during his stops.

With visa concerns, worsening weather conditions, and the unpredictability of Myanmar’s civil conflict, the next stage of Thich Minh Tue’s journey remains uncertain. His entourage faces internal disagreements over the best route forward, adding to the complexity of the pilgrimage.

Despite these challenges, Thich Minh Tue remains undeterred. “What will be, will be,” he told RFA. “Whichever side is favorable, I’ll walk there.” (Radio Free Asia)

* Renowned Vietnamese Buddhist Ascetic Thich Minh Tue Embarks on Pilgrimage to India (BDG)

See more

Vietnamese monk weighs danger of crossing Myanmar on India journey (Radio Free Asia)
Vietnamese monk’s barefoot pilgrimage to India captivates millions (The Star)

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