The act recognized three types of monasteries: royal, common, and monastic residences (which lack a "sima", a consecrated border). A survey conducted in 1900 reported 7206 monasteries in Thailand (with only 117 royal monasteries). Ultimate responsibility for each monastery was granted to the abbot, which could punish offenders, mediate disputes and grant or refuse residence. The sangha act also required monks be enlisted to a monastery (vagrant monks not belonging to a monastery were arrested) and to carry identification documents when traveling away from their monastery. Also, any establishment of new monasteries had to be approved by the state (article 9).