This calm Buddhist monk has captured the world's attention as he sits quietly in a huge vat of boiling oil without flinching.

Nearly a million people have watched the YouTube clip of the monk, reportedly from Thailand's Nong Bua Lamphu, sitting above a burning furnace to prove his strength and determination to the people.

Unfortunately, sceptics think it is an illusion – helped by the fact water was poured into the bowl first of all, making it as not as hot as it looks. Others say a blend of special herbs was first applied to the surface of the container to reduce the heat. He seems to relishing the attention anyhow.

His supporters believe his touch can make their relics or pieces of fabric powerful, which are then sold on to locals or other places of worship.