Thich Thanh Cuong, head of a Buddhist monastery in Hai Duong province of Vietnam, has drawn scorn after posting photos of his Facebook page showing him eating in restaurants, wearing civilian clothes and posing with the latest iPhone 6. (Facebook photo)

A monk in northern Vietnam could face disciplinary measures after photos of him posing with an iPhone 6 — the latest model not officially on sale in the country — were posted on Facebook, a Buddhist leader said Wednesday.

Thich Thanh Cuong, head of a Buddhist monastery in Tu Ky District of Hai Duong province, was shown eating in restaurants, wearing civilian clothes and posing with the mobile phone, which is slated to sell at around $2,300 when it is released in the country later this month.

The video clip and photos went viral on the internet, attracting widespread criticism. The photos have since been deleted.

His actions "violated Buddhist morality and defamed the reputation of The Buddhist Sangha of Hai Duong province and should receive serious punishment," Thich Quang Tung, head of the provincial Buddhist Sangha said.

Cuong said the iPhone 6 belonged to a follower who had imported the mobile phones into the country, and had given him one for good luck. He said he returned the phone after being criticized for the photos.

Tung said the Buddhist Sangha would take measures to deal with the case depending on how repentant Cuong was. [ Bankok Post ]

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