Young Monk Apologizes After Striking Acting Abbot Over Duty Cut
A young monk at Chamnan Temple in Ratchaburi apologized after striking the acting abbot's ear during a ceremony, claiming anger over being excluded from duties despite four years of consistent service.
September 22 — A young monk from Chamnan Temple in Potharama District, Ratchaburi, has apologized after striking the acting abbot's ear, causing it to bleed. The monk had become angry after being excluded from ceremonial duties.
The incident took place on September 20 during a 100-day merit-making ceremony for a local resident. Temple surveillance cameras recorded the entire event. The acting abbot underwent a medical examination and filed a complaint with Potharama Police Station.
Recent developments show that officials including Suphatsit Theerawut, district deputy chief, Chaitham Tabthiang, head of the Buddhist Affairs office for Ratchaburi, Potharama Police officers, and village headmen gathered to discuss the matter. They also conducted drug tests on all monks at the temple, with no positive results. The acting abbot presented an official letter confirming his temporary appointment to replace the ill abbot, as some monks and community members had questioned his authority.
The monk, identified as Phra On, acknowledged his wrongdoing, saying he acted in anger and frustration over losing his ceremonial privileges despite having performed temple duties consistently for four years, though he occasionally missed assignments due to illness. He expressed willingness to apologize if the acting abbot would also apologize to him.
After mediation efforts, Phra On agreed to present flowers, incense, and candles as an apology to the acting abbot before the head abbot, temple monks, and assembled witnesses.
Regarding the criminal case, police will continue their mediation role. The temple committee will ask the provincial monk supervisor to send a neutral monk to oversee and monitor monastic conduct within the temple.
