Monk Experiencing Psychiatric Episode Causes Alarm at Phayao Bus Terminal

PHAYAO — On 9 February 2026, a Buddhist monk suffering from a psychiatric relapse caused widespread concern at the Phayao provincial bus terminal after jumping from a coach and shouting at people while waiting to travel to Si Sa Ket province, authorities reported. Witnesses described the monk behaving erratically in the passenger waiting area, glaring and yelling, which triggered panic among travelers. Officials identified the monk as Phra Khatawat Chutintho, a monk from Samut Songkhram province who had been on a walking pilgrimage and staying in the Dok Khamtai district prior to the incident. Despite attempts by bystanders to offer water, the monk rejected assistance and appeared unable to communicate coherently. Transport staff contacted police and rescue workers, who spent over 20 minutes carefully persuading him to cooperate before taking him into care. The monk's pilgrimage equipment was found abandoned in a grassy area near the terminal's car park. He was subsequently transported to Phayao Hospital for medical supervision, with authorities planning to contact his relatives to arrange further treatment.