Unreported World: Season 2020, Episode 4

2020 - 4: Nirvana for Sale

Filmed before lockdown, Marcel Theroux reports from Thailand on the controversial Dhammakaya movement, which has millions of followers around the world. Dhammakaya claims its a force for good - updating Buddhism for the modern world, but critics say it's a money-obsessed cult. The movement believes in reincarnation and there's a big focus on making donations to pave the way to Nirvana, with offering boxes and cashpoints enabling the faithful to donate. Its founder, Abbot Dhammajayo, is in hiding following allegations that the sect has laundered £25million of stolen money, which he denies.