Meet the ‘AI Monk’ Virtual Human Sharing Buddhist Teachings in Thailand

A digital monk is teaching people in Thailand about Buddhism on Facebook and Instagram. Phra Maha AI may be the first virtual human designed for religious education, specifically for connecting the tenets of Buddhism to the modern lives of younger people.

Phra Maha AI

Phra Maha AI started releasing videos last fall, but the first-ever interview with the media has attracted far more interest in the Thai virtual human. The AI monk explained to Thai PBS that virtual influencers for brands in other countries inspired developer Sai Mu to produce the AI. The virtual monk self-described as an approximately 30-years-old  devotee of Buddhism who can better communicate with young people where more traditional religious educations struggle. The idea is that a virtual monk can make a real connection with young adults and teenagers on social media,…