Body of Monk Found Under Mysterious Circumstances at Bangkok Temple

[Georgealbert]

 

 

A monk has been found dead under suspicious circumstances at a well-known temple in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district. Authorities were alerted by a strong odour emanating from the monk’s living quarters at Wat Sra Bua, located in Rong Mueang Subdistrict, where the body was discovered early on the morning of November 13.

 

Emergency responders forced entry into the monk’s room and found the lifeless body lying face-up on the floor. A yellow towel was tightly wrapped around his neck, and a drinking straw was lodged in his mouth, raising questions about the circumstances of his death. Police noted that the room had been locked from the outside, suggesting possible foul play.

 

The deceased monk, identified as Phra Sunan Phumjampa, age 63, is believed to have passed away approximately two days prior to the discovery. Forensic teams have taken the body to the Police General Hospital for an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.

 

Police Captain Chatupong Artharn, who is leading the investigation, reported that Phra Sunan’s son, known to be struggling with drug addiction, had visited him just days before the body was discovered. Neighbours reportedly last saw the monk about six days ago, though he was frequently visited by his youngest son, who has a history of substance abuse.

 

A nearby monk, Phra Charoen, stated that he heard a loud noise coming from Phra Sunan’s room six days prior. After failing to see him in the days that followed and noticing a foul odour, he alerted the authorities. Phra Charoen also noted that Phra Sunan had three children, two daughters, one residing overseas and the other in Phuket, and a son who regularly visited him at the temple.

 

Authorities are treating the case as suspicious and have taken Phra Sunan’s son, along with Phra Charoen, to Pathumwan Police Station for questioning. Investigators aim to determine if Phra Sunan’s death may be connected to recent events involving his family members.

 

Police have handed over Phra Sunan’s body to the Ruamkatanyu Foundation for transport to the Police General Hospital, where forensic specialists will conduct a detailed examination.

 

Picture from responders.

-- 2024-11-14

 

[Pique Dard]

On 11/13/2024 at 10:57 PM, Georgealbert said:

Police noted that the room had been locked from the outside, suggesting possible foul play.

I'd take out the adjective ‘possible’.