Rare Wasps Nest Found at Buriram Temple Before Major Ceremony
A rare species of leaf wasp nest discovered at a Buriram temple ahead of a major ceremony has stung the abbot multiple times, prompting specialists to carefully relocate it to protect monks, workers, and visitors during the event.
Residents of Buriram have discovered an unusual nest of leaf wasps at Wat Pa Thung Samakkitham in Nang Rong district, which has reportedly stung the temple abbot three times. The temple is currently under construction and preparing for a major merit-making ceremony, prompting urgent efforts to relocate the nest before the event to protect monks, construction workers, and visitors.
Sompong Mongkalkhart, 42, a specialist called in to remove the nest, said this was the first time he had encountered this particular species, suggesting it may be a rarely-seen variety that some believe is extinct. When informed of the nest's location at the temple construction site and the upcoming major ceremony, he decided to relocate the nest during nighttime hours, a delicate operation requiring special care to avoid agitating the wasps and risking attack.
Sompong emphasized that the relocation was not intended to harm or eliminate the wasps, but to move them from a busy area to a quiet, suitable habitat where they can continue to thrive while reducing danger to temple attendees. The leaf wasps, distinguished by their unique curved, gourd-shaped nests unlike typical wasp nests, are defensive insects that sting repeatedly when disturbed, and their venom can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals.
Authorities advise the public not to approach wasp or bee nests, strike them, shake them, or attempt to destroy them, especially near homes, schools, temples, or public areas. Instead, residents should maintain distance and contact experts or specialists to safely handle any nests found.
