Buddhist Monk Found Dead in Quarters at Kamphaengphet Temple
A 57-year-old Buddhist monk was found dead in his quarters at a Kamphaengphet temple on August 13, with police determining the death was self-inflicted after he had complained of insomnia and hearing voices.
Police arrived at a temple in Mueang District, Kamphaengphet Province on the evening of August 13 after receiving a report that a monk had died in his quarters on the second floor of the dormitory. The deceased, a 57-year-old who had been ordained for over six years, showed signs of a self-inflicted death, and no injuries from external violence were found. Police had a hospital doctor conduct an initial examination, and the body was sent for detailed autopsy before being released to the family for religious rites.
A letter was discovered stating the monk was asking for forgiveness from the abbot and all people, and requested that his cremation be conducted quietly without informing anyone. The family reported the monk had no chronic illnesses and were shocked by the incident, unsure of its cause.
According to the abbot, the monk had ordained for over six years and had transferred to this temple two months before the rainy season retreat. In recent days, the monk had complained of insomnia and said he heard voices telling him to die. The abbot said he counseled the monk not to act on such thoughts, warning that it would be sinful, and advised him not to believe in demons or let negative emotions control his mind.
The abbot also noted the monk was troubled about a disciplinary matter involving a female lay devotee. The abbot reassured him it was not serious and told him not to dwell on it. On the day of the incident, the monk participated in chanting with other monks, then returned to his quarters around 6 p.m. When the abbot called and the monk did not answer, a temple student was sent to check and found him dead with the farewell letter.
