Accident Chiang Mai: Revered Monk Dies After Falling into Ravine While Planting Trees

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin.

 

The local community is mourning the death of Phra Khru Ba Phan, the highly respected abbot of Wat Phra That Huai Tong in Mae Wang district, Chiang Mai, who passed away after falling into a 30-metre-deep ravine while tending to trees in a forested area near the temple.

 

The incident occurred on 25 June, but his body was only discovered the following morning, after concerned villagers noticed his absence from his usual routines and began searching for him. They found a hoe handle near the edge of a cliff, which led to the discovery of his body at the base of the ravine.

 

Police from Mae Wang Police Station responded to the scene and found no signs of foul play. Marks on the ground indicated that the abbot had been digging and planting trees close to the cliff edge. Investigators believe he may have fainted or lost his footing and accidentally fallen while planting trees, an activity he frequently undertook as part of his environmental efforts.

Phra Khru Ba Phan, aged 70, was widely known for his spiritual leadership and commitment to the preservation and development of Wat Phra That Huai Tong, an ancient temple on Doi Mae Wang, home to historic Mon-Lawa style brickwork. He was especially revered among local Tai-Karen, Tai-Yai, and Pa-O communities, whom he served faithfully for many years.

 

Devotees and fellow monks described him as a humble, hardworking monk who regularly cared for the temple grounds and surrounding nature. His death has left a deep void in the community, with villagers expressing their sorrow at the loss of their spiritual guide and a man who was regarded as the moral pillar of the region.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-06-27