The heartwarming routine takes place at Wat Chin Wararam Worawihan in Pathum Thani province, north of Bangkok.

At the centre of it all is Luang Por Chamnan, the temple’s abbot, who travels by boat each morning to collect alms from riverside communities. And almost every day, the dogs insist on coming along.

Photos and videos shared online show the animals calmly perched on the boat as it moves along the river at dawn, some peering curiously over the sides while others sit quietly beside the monk.

Many of the dogs were abandoned at the temple over the years before being taken in and cared for by the monks.

In fact, what began with one small white dog has grown into a pack of about 20, looked after by Chamnan and temple aides. Around 12 of them typically join the daily boat rides, while older dogs stay behind at the temple.

“We normally sleep in the same room, and when I get up in the morning to go on the alms round, they bark and follow along,” Chamnan was quoted as saying by Reuters. “They’ve been following me ever since.”

Chamnan said the dogs have become so attached to the morning ritual that they rush towards the boat before sunrise each day, eager not to be left behind. Those that arrive too late simply wait by the riverbank until the group returns.

The boat stops at about 13 homes along the river, where residents offer food to the monks during the daily alms round. Some villagers have also started bringing treats for the dogs.

For many online viewers, the scenes have come to symbolise a gentler side of daily life – one built around routine, compassion, and the bond between humans and animals. And the viral attention has since led to donations of dog food and veterinary care.

Chamnan has spoken openly about caring for abandoned animals, saying kindness towards living beings is part of Buddhist teaching and everyday practice.

He also believes he may share a karmic connection with the dogs: “They might have some bond with me from a previous life,” he reportedly said.

For local worshipper Narucha Wannabovorn, the daily sight of the monk and his four-legged companions has become a source of comfort.

“Right now there are so many stressful things – the economy, wars, the global situation,” she said. “But just waking up and seeing Luang Por and the dogs boarding the boat lifts my heart.”