Abbot dies after being swept into Sa Kaeo drain

A 67-year-old abbot has died after he was apparently swept into a drainage pipe while clearing weeds and debris from a waterway at a meditation centre in Sa Kaeo province.

Phra Chaiyaporn, abbot of Luang Pu Samrit Phonphotiyan Meditation Centre in Wang Nam Yen district, was caught by the fast-moving current after hours of heavy rain.

Water surged through centre after heavy rain

Rescue workers from Sawang Sa Kaeo Rescue Foundation's Wang Nam Yen unit were called to the centre, in Moo 9, Wang Nam Yen subdistrict, after reports that a monk had been pulled into a drain.

By the time rescuers arrived, the monk's body had been brought out of the water. They attempted CPR but were unable to save him.

His body was taken to Wang Nam Yen Hospital for a further examination to establish the cause of death.

Monks at the centre told reporters that prolonged heavy rain had sent a large volume of water into the canal in front of the premises. When the rain stopped, Phra Chaiyaporn saw grass and other debris obstructing the water flow and went down to clear it.

The water was still moving strongly at the time. It is believed he may have lost his footing before being sucked into the drainage pipe, which has a diameter of about one metre.

Robe spotted below drainage pipe

The current carried his body through the pipe and out on the other side, according to the report.

Residents nearby became concerned after spotting a monk's robe below the drain outlet. They called other monks to help check, and discovered the the body, that was identified as that of Phra Chaiyaporn.

Villagers said the abbot was hardworking and regularly carried out improvement work around the meditation centre himself. They believe he had gone to remove the blockage before the fatal incident occurred.

Following the medical examination, Sawang Sa Kaeo Rescue Foundation personnel took Phra Chaiyaporn's body to Wat Wang Nam Fon in Wang Mai subdistrict, Wang Sombun district, Sa Kaeo, for religious rites.

Floodwater can quickly become dangerous

The tragedy follows heavy rainfall and flash flooding at several locations in the area. For residents and visitors in Thailand, it is a reminder that drainage channels, culverts and waterways can become highly dangerous during and immediately after intense rain.

Even where surface water appears shallow, strong currents and concealed drains can pull people off their feet. Those clearing properties, walking near canals or travelling through flooded areas should avoid entering moving water and wait until conditions are safe.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

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22 September 2026