Lightning Damages Recently Renovated Crematorium in Samut Sakhon
Lightning struck the recently renovated crematorium at Wat Prasat Samakkitham in Samut Sakhon, destroying its pinnacle and damaging nearby buildings such as the funeral hall, kitchen, and monks’ quarters. The cremation furnace itself remained intact and is expected to be usable after inspection. Temple officials plan repairs and are seeking donations to cover the expected high costs.
Just two years after its renovation, lightning struck the crematorium at Wat Prasat Samakkitham (Wat Klong Seue) in Bang Thorat, Mueang, Samut Sakhon, shattering its top and damaging nearby structures, though the cremation furnace remained intact.
On 12 October 2026, reporters visited the temple after being alerted by followers about the lightning strike that damaged the crematorium’s pinnacle, the roof of the funeral hall, the kitchen building, and the monks’ quarters.
At the scene, they found concrete debris from the shattered pinnacle scattered across the ground, while the funeral hall’s ceiling had collapsed over a wide area, cutting off electricity temporarily. The kitchen’s tiled roof was punctured by falling debris, and the lightning rod behind the cremation furnace had detached, causing the tiled wall to crack and peel. The abbot’s quarters also suffered damage when roof tiles fell and broke.
Abbot Phra Athikan Rungsa Punyanwaddho said the strike occurred at approximately 05:32 on 11 October, hitting the crematorium’s top and causing damage at multiple points, but the charcoal‑based cremation furnace remained stable and is expected to be usable after inspection.
He added that heavy rain had fallen for two to three hours before dawn, followed by a loud thunderclap that echoed across the area; villagers and monks heard it clearly but never imagined it would strike the crematorium. The temple will discuss repair plans.
The crematorium had been renovated about two years ago at a cost of several hundred thousand baht; now it must be repaired again, not only the pinnacle but also the other damaged buildings, which will require substantial funds.
For the time being, if any layperson dies, the temple will use its assembly hall for funeral rites, moving the body to the cremation furnace only when the lower system is confirmed operational. The temple aims to complete repairs quickly, although total costs cannot yet be assessed until contractors conduct a detailed inspection.
Those wishing to contribute can contact the abbot at 084‑007‑0064 or donate via Bangkok Bank account number 034‑0‑61055‑9 in the name of Wat Prasat Samakkitham.
