Deputy Abbot Found Dead in Monastery Quarters
A 66-year-old deputy abbot died of sudden cardiac arrest at a Nakhon Ratchasima temple on September 21, likely after collapsing in his bathroom while preparing for his morning alms round.
At 7:00 a.m. on September 21, 2026, Muang Nakhon Ratchasima police responded to a report of a monk's death at a temple in the city. Rescue personnel from Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital and volunteers arrived to find Phra Kru Veeravong, 66 years old and in his 48th year of monastic life, unconscious and unresponsive in his quarters. Fellow monks and relatives gathered in mourning.
A medical examiner concluded the death was caused by sudden cardiac arrest, with no signs of foul play. The deceased had a long-standing history of heart disease and high blood pressure and took medication regularly. On the evening before his death, he had complained of chest pain to other monks but felt better after taking medicine.
Early the following morning around 5:30 a.m., the monk was scheduled to go on his usual alms round. It is believed he collapsed and lost consciousness while in the bathroom. When he did not appear for his duties, fellow monks went to his room and found the bathroom door closed. Receiving no answer to their calls, they forced the door open but were unable to save him. The temple requests that his remains and spirit be blessed.
