Armed Group Blocks Temple Entrance in Khon Kaen
An armed group of about 40 men blocked all entrances to Wat Pa Adulyaram in Khon Kaen with concrete pipes and eviction notices on August 11, claiming ownership of disputed temple land currently under Supreme Court review.
On August 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., a reporter visited Wat Pa Adulyaram along Kalpaprueksa Road in Muang District, Khon Kaen, to document a situation in which approximately 40 armed men had blocked all temple entrances with concrete drainage pipes and posted notices demanding the removal of all structures within 15 days.
Abbot Phra Khru Adulya Saranited and 33-year-old temple disciple Thanakorn Boonnakon (nicknamed Nod) were present. According to the abbot's lawyer reached by phone, the land dispute has dragged on for years through multiple court proceedings involving several plots. Only one final 5-rai plot remains without a title deed, currently under court review. "The lower court and appeals court ruled in the temple's favor," the lawyer said. "At the Supreme Court level, the plaintiff has petitioned for review while the temple has filed opposition. The court is currently deciding whether to accept the petition. If rejected, the case ends; if accepted, it proceeds to Supreme Court review."
Thanakorrecounted that before the incident, he saw men cutting grass around the temple grounds. Once finished, they systematically posted notices on all sides. He estimated 40–50 people arrived in three vans. One man wore military-like clothing and stood watching; the others resembled hired laborers rather than officials, some in military-style coveralls. Thanakorn promptly reported the incident to police with the abbot. He said the armed group claimed the land deed belonged to someone else with no designated heir, asserting it was their property. They ordered removal of all structures within 15 days and claimed they had orders from "higher up" and would not listen to the court or police. After the men left, locals tore out the pipes. As they departed, the group photographed themselves, gave thumbs up, and cheered loudly.
Thanakorexplained he has been attached to the temple since childhood and now cares for the abbot daily. He and locals expressed concern for the abbot and young monks, as the incident occurred during Buddhist Lent, and questioned where the monks would go if evicted.
Pol. Maj. Yosawat Kaewsapnij, Muang Khon Kaen Police Station commander, said investigators have filed a complaint and are interviewing witnesses including the abbot and other temple residents. The accused group will be summoned for questioning after the temple witnesses are heard, before charges are considered.
