Novice Monk Attacks Abbot with Knife in Kanchanaburi Monastery Altercation

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

A novice monk has been arrested after allegedly attacking the abbot of a remote temple in Kanchanaburi with a knife, leaving him seriously injured in an incident that shocked both residents and fellow clergy.

The attack took place at around 07:00 on 12 April at a temple in Moo 2, Nong Lu subdistrict, Sangkhla Buri district. Police were alerted to the scene where 39-year-old Phra Chan, the abbot of the temple, had suffered severe head injuries after being struck with a bladed weapon. He was rushed to Sangkhla Buri Hospital by local villagers and temple disciples. Doctors later confirmed he was in a stable condition and out of immediate danger.

The suspect, known as Nen Daeng, 50, is a newly ordained novice monk awaiting full ordination. After the incident, he remained inside the temple complex. Police travelled to the location by longtail boat, arriving approximately ten minutes later. Upon their arrival, they found Nen Daeng waiting to surrender peacefully. Officers recovered a 30-centimetre knife believed to have been used in the attack.

In his statement to police, Nen Daeng explained that he had previously been ordained but had disrobed and lived as a layperson for several years before deciding to return to the monastic life. He had recently joined the temple as a novice monk in preparation for re-ordination.

During his stay, he claimed that the abbot had frequently criticised and scolded him over trivial matters, which caused growing frustration and emotional distress. On the morning of the incident, a verbal dispute reportedly escalated. Nen Daeng alleged that Phra Chan grabbed him by his robes and punched him in the face. Enraged, he retaliated by striking the abbot with the blunt side of the knife.

“I didn’t intend to kill him,” he told officers. “I used the flat edge of the blade to hit his head. I just wanted to defend myself after being assaulted.”

Following the attack, other monks and lay followers intervened and rushed the injured abbot to hospital. Nen Daeng returned to his quarters, where he waited for the authorities to arrive.

Police escorted the suspect to Sangkhla Buri Police Station for further questioning. He will be formally disrobed before facing criminal charges. Authorities confirmed that he will be charged with causing grievous bodily harm, with investigations ongoing.

-- 2025-04-14