Temple Brawl: Topless Rider Shouts, Woman Brandishes Iron Rod

A tense incident unfolded at Putthaisawan Temple in Samphao Lom subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district on September 12 when journalists visited to cover a developing story. A shirtless man rode a motorcycle into the temple, revved the engine loudly, and shouted profanities at the reporters. When journalists then approached a woman at the scene to ask if she knew the man, she became upset and picked up a pointed metal rod, advancing toward them with it. The reporters retreated and ran to avoid confrontation. The situation escalated dangerously until police officers on-site intervened and brought it under control. Officers spoke with the woman, who apologized by wai and requested forgiveness before being asked to leave with her husband immediately. The woman claimed she had come only to help her husband with temple work and had no involvement in temple administration. A local journalist expressed concern that such behavior should not occur in a public religious space where many visitors and tourists come to pay respects, and that unsafe conduct undermines public and tourist confidence. After the incident, Ayutthaya Provincial Police deployed officers to monitor the temple and prevent further disturbances. The abbot's residence remained closed throughout the day, with no one offering official comment, though visitors and photographers continued arriving at the temple.