Temple boy

A temple boy (Thai เด็กวัด, dek wat) is a boy in Thailand who lives in a monastery and assists monks.

The temple boys carry the alms bowls of the monks during the morning alms collection, and subsequently prepare the monks’ food before eating the left-overs themselves. They follow the ten precepts. Some are sent to become temple boys to acquire merit; others, because they are given free room and board; and others to receive religious and moral instruction. Some temple boys go on to be ordained as monks themselves.