Temple Abbot Expels Controversial Monk Over Repeated Disruptions
An 89-year-old monk was expelled from a temple in Kalasin province after repeatedly disrupting the community, including a viral altercation over moving a pillow that damaged public faith in the institution.
An online video showing a fierce altercation at Boon Rueang Sri Temple in Ban Phi Si-Phi Chai, Bua Ban subdistrict, Yang Talat district, Kalasin province, has sparked widespread criticism and damaged public faith. The conflict arose from a disagreement over moving a pillow, earning the incident the label "the pillow no one should touch."
On September 23, a reporter visited the temple and met with Phan, or Luang Pu Phan Phutchomphet, an 89-year-old monk who appeared in the video. He explained that the abbot ordered temple staff to clean the sermon hall, and he simply moved the pillow back to its original position as usual. He claimed the confrontation resulted from miscommunication with the staff and noted that he had donated money and contributed to temple construction over many years.
Abbot Wilay Kanthidhammo said he was deeply disappointed and could not accept such damaging behavior. He described Phan as a troublemaking monk who had insulted staff and challenged villagers, destroying public faith so completely that no one would bow to him or offer alms anymore. The abbot declared firmly that he would "absolutely not tolerate" this conduct.
According to the Buddhist ecclesiastical authorities, Phan has a history of causing problems and has been expelled from the temple multiple times, only to return and cause fresh disturbances. While monastic law found the offense does not yet rise to the highest level requiring permanent defrocking, the abbot, local leaders, and villagers agreed to take decisive community action. A mass meeting was scheduled for that evening to formally expel Phan from the temple and the community immediately, in order to restore peace and rebuild faith.
