Temple Clash: Monk Killed After Machete Attack Ends in Fatal Retaliation

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A long-standing feud between two Buddhist monks ended in bloodshed when a machete-wielding monk stormed a fellow monk’s kuti (monastic residence) in the early hours of the morning of 11 April, only to be fatally stabbed in self-defence.

 

Police were called to Wat Khlong Nam Chet in the Thap Thiang subdistrict of Trang province after reports of a deadly altercation between two monks. Upon arrival, investigators discovered the body of Phra Maha Suchart, 44, also known as Phra Maha Chain, lying face down in a pool of blood inside a ground-floor bedroom of a two-storey kuti.

 

The deceased, who was from Nakhon Si Thammarat and had been ordained at another temple before settling at Wat Khlong Nam Chet for the past decade, was found with multiple stab wounds, including one to the abdomen that had resulted in protruding organs and intestines. A machete was clutched in his left hand, and a blood-stained headlamp lay nearby.

 

Another monk, Phra Khomkrit or Luang Chid, 53, from Phatthalung, stood outside the kuti, wounded and awaiting medical attention. He had sustained serious injuries, including a deep gash to the forehead and a cut to his right arm. Emergency services provided first aid before transferring him to Trang Hospital.

 

A preliminary investigation revealed that Phra Maha Suchart had entered the victim’s kuti under cover of darkness, breaking through a window while wearing a headlamp and wielding a machete. He allegedly struck Phra Khomkrit, who was asleep inside, prompting the latter to retaliate by stabbing him with a knife he kept for personal protection.

 

Inside the kuti, officers found broken glass, blood trails, a mobile phone belonging to the deceased, and a bloodied knife approximately nine inches long.

 

Phra Ajarn Chatporn, the temple’s assistant abbot, told reporters that the two monks had been in conflict for five to six months over petty disputes, which escalated into personal animosity. “It started with small disagreements, like the volume and tone during chanting sessions. Over time, they began provoking one another more openly,” he said.

 

He added that Phra Maha Suchart had a reputation for being hot-tempered and had previously been the source of tension within the monastery. “I’ve warned them many times to live in harmony, as monks should. But it seems this time it went too far.”

 

The incident occurred while other monks were asleep, and no witnesses were present. Phra Khomkrit went to the assistant abbot, covered in blood, and explained he had stabbed his attacker in self-defence during the struggle in the dark.

 

Police have charged Phra Khomkrit with homicide. However, investigations are ongoing, and the suspect remains under medical care at the hospital. Authorities are gathering further evidence and testimony to determine the full circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation.

 

-- 2025-04-12

 

[PomPolo]

12 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

prompting the latter to retaliate by stabbing him with a knife he kept for personal protection

If the monks need this what hope have any of the rest of got!

 

14 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

“I’ve warned them many times to live in harmony, as monks should. But it seems this time it went too far.”

Bit of an understatement

[steven100]

21 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

with a knife he kept for personal protection

 

yes,    it's part of their ordaining kit.  

[Lucky Bones]

6 minutes ago, steven100 said:

 

yes,    it's part of their ordaining kit.  

Hi Steven. Yes, I believe that a supply of G & T is also included in the kit.🙃🙃

[Gottfrid]

So, The FHC is at it again. (Fellowship of Hiding Criminals)

[mran66]

Hope reporter would tell what the spat was about. Argument of ladies for the night, booze, and yaba or money buried behind temple? 

 

Or possibly about validity of karma in sacred writings?