Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A 34-year-old transgender individual has been arrested following a brutal pre-dawn assault on 20 April, on a 70-year-old monk at Wat Ta Sao in Huai Rat District, Buriram Province. The monk remains in critical condition with extensive injuries.

 

The suspect, identified as Phitsanu, also known locally as “Jae”, was apprehended at a petrol station in Nang Rong District later that day. The arrest followed a swift investigation by officers from Huai Rat Police Station and Buriram Provincial Police, who had traced the suspect’s movements via multiple leads, including an attempt to solicit money from a relative via chat.

 

The attack occurred around 02:00, inside the monk’s private quarters at the temple. Phra Maha Suphatin Theawonram, a senior monk aged 70, was found with deep lacerations across his face, torso, and arms, and had sustained burns to over half of his body after being set alight.

 

Initial reports suggested the use of a box cutter, but during a crime scene reconstruction later that evening, Phitsanu confessed to using a cleaver-style knife in the attack. Still visibly angry, the suspect told police he had long harboured resentment towards the monk, who he claimed repeatedly made irritating remarks. In a rage, he allegedly forced open the door to the monk’s quarters, slashed him repeatedly with the knife, then returned to his motorbike to retrieve a petrol-soaked cloth, which he used to ignite the monk’s robes before fleeing.

 

CCTV and witness reports helped authorities trace Phitsanu to a self-service fuel station in the Muang Pho area, where he had added 40 baht of petrol to his motorcycle. At the time of his arrest, the suspect showed no remorse and continued to express anger toward the monk.

 

During questioning, Phitsanu denied his earlier claim that the monk owed him 2 million baht, a story he had repeatedly told local residents and his own father. The claim, which referenced a non-existent appearance on a TV quiz programme, was dismissed as delusional by his father, Mr Khian, a former village headman, who noted his child had suffered from mental health issues for over a year.

 

Village officials and locals further allege that Phitsanu is a habitual user of methamphetamines, which may have played a role in the violent outburst. However, police have not yet confirmed whether drugs were involved, and have stated that further testing and interrogation will be conducted.

 

Superintendent Pol. Col. Jakkrit Srisunthon of Huai Rat Police Station said charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of a weapon have been filed. Investigators are also examining whether mental health or substance abuse were contributing factors. As of now, Phra Suphatin remains hospitalised in serious condition and has been unable to give a statement.

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod.

 

-- 2025-04-21

 

 

 

 

 

 

11 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

the suspect told police he had long harboured resentment towards the monk, who he claimed repeatedly made irritating remarks.

What ever happened to the saying," Sticks and stone may break my bones but words will never hurt me"?

Apparently, words did hurt the transgender fellow.....

 

A post breaking forum rules has been removed.

 

Rule 15. You will not discriminate or post slurs, degrading or overly negative comments on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability, medical history, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, paternity, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other irrelevant factor.

You gotta have to respect others desire of being a transgender or sexual preferences. When that respect stops you might get what you deserve.