Temple Overrun by Wasps, Residents Beg for Expert Help
Over 100 wasp nests have invaded Pa Silathong Temple in Buriram, forcing monks to seal themselves indoors and disrupting worship after the insect population exploded when the monastery stopped removing them.
The abbot of Pa Silathong Temple in Buriram's Muang Muang district reported on September 15 that the monastery is besieged by more than 100 wasp nests concentrated in and around the kitchen hall, stupa, and various other structures. The infestation has grown rapidly in less than two years with no effective control, and nests are multiplying further.
Abbot Phra Bunyapeng Cakkadhammo explained that wasps initially nested sporadically along eaves and the stupa, but once the monks stopped disturbing them out of reluctance to take aggressive action, the population exploded. Monks attempted only to chase the insects away, which proved ineffective. Villagers and monks are stung regularly, with some experiencing facial swelling. During funeral ceremonies, the insects are temporarily driven out, but return immediately after. The temple now must keep all doors and windows tightly sealed, and monks are restricted to their quarters.
Phra Chaiuttaro, a 44-year-old monk, recounted that the temple compound is a preferred nesting site where officials attempted to destroy nests five years ago without lasting success. Both residents and monks now fear the wasps, and those stung face swelling despite the species having relatively mild venom. He is appealing for expert guidance on safe and effective elimination methods to restore normal use of the temple grounds, as people must now avoid areas with active nests.
