Phra Phayom Kalayano, who is revered for the strict quality of his preaching, made the recordings after being shocked by the tones he heard on teenagers' phones.

"Some sounds seem to provoke unwholesome thoughts, such as the sound of a woman moaning in a sexual manner," he said.

His tones, based on Buddhist doctrine, include phrases such as: "Compose yourself before answering this call. Avoid being irascible and causing disputes."

Another advises: "Anger is stupidity, fury is madness - if you don't succumb to anger, you won't succumb to stupidity and madness."

"It is better to sweat from hard work than cry from laziness, which encourages poverty," says a third.

Buddhism is seen as an essential element of Thai life so the tones should be a success.