Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

In a shocking act of violence at one of Phuket’s temples, a senior monk has fatally shot a fellow monk in the temple’s bathroom, citing long-standing grievances and bullying as the motive.

 

The incident occurred at Wat Khao Rang in Talat Yai, Mueang District, Phuket. Police were alerted at 07:10 on 29 June and rushed to the scene. Investigating officers, led by Pol Lt Jaruwit Chuabkwamsuk and Pol Col Chatree Chukaew, found the alleged gunman, Phra Jaruek, 47, hiding in monastic room No. 1.

 

Police called on him to surrender, after which he handed over the weapon used in the killing, a .38 calibre revolver loaded with six rounds. A further search of his room revealed an additional 14 rounds of .38 calibre ammunition, which were seized as evidence.

 

Inside the temple bathroom, authorities discovered the body of Phra Niwat 36, a junior monk at the temple. He had suffered four gunshot wounds, to his neck, right arm and chest and was found lying near the toilet, still clad in his saffron robe. At the scene, police recovered four spent .38 calibre shells and one live round.

 

Initial investigations revealed that the two monks had been living at the temple together, with the suspect reportedly enduring ongoing bullying and harassment from the victim. On the morning of the incident, Phra Niwat had entered the bathroom without locking the door and was allegedly playing loud audio on his mobile phone, which reportedly triggered the suspect’s rage.

 

In a premeditated move, Phra Jaruek entered the bathroom with his firearm and opened fire. He then reloaded the revolver with another six bullets before retreating to his room, where he remained until police arrived and arrested him without incident.

 

Authorities have charged the suspect and are holding him in custody pending further investigation. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local Buddhist community and raised serious concerns over mental health and interpersonal conflict within monastic settings.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-30

 

 

 

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

a senior monk has fatally shot a fellow monk

Seems the Buddhist seniority is being given to just anyone. How can these monks doing drugs, killing people, having sex with patrons, and many other crimes as a buddhist, get past others to be permitted to stay as a monk? Every temple should and probably are aware of the type of people the monks are within their temple. As well as what they do daily. Or is it the Thai monk religion that is the problem here? There are so many monks doing bad and much more that are not caught or brought into light that the whole religion is corrupt. 

12 minutes ago, thesetat said:

Seems the Buddhist seniority is being given to just anyone. How can these monks doing drugs, killing people, having sex with patrons, and many other crimes as a buddhist, get past others to be permitted to stay as a monk? Every temple should and probably are aware of the type of people the monks are within their temple. As well as what they do daily. Or is it the Thai monk religion that is the problem here? There are so many monks doing bad and much more that are not caught or brought into light that the whole religion is corrupt. 

Many get into the religion to escape going to jail here. The problem with this is that religion is used as a crutch for some to hide behind. The Catholics and Muslims also have those that have broken vows, and laws while hiding behind the religion. 

8 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Many get into the religion to escape going to jail here. The problem with this is that religion is used as a crutch for some to hide behind. The Catholics and Muslims also have those that have broken vows, and laws while hiding behind the religion. 

I can not argue with your point. I was only talking about Thai Buddhism though. It seems to happen quite often in Thailand whereas other Buddhist countries problems seen in Thailand are rarely seen there. 

Guns? Phones? Murder?  Sounds more like the Mafia that the clergy.

Bad monk up to monkey business.

You never know who is hiding behind that orange robe.

 

Such a gentle   no violent religion is Buddism they say   . !!!.. Corrupt as the rest of them.

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

ongoing bullying and harassment

you are who you are.   check the parents.  check the grandparents.  check his past.  someone failed him, but it's still 100% on him.   Never been a fan of group religion stuff......too much control.   But I will allow 1000 people to listen to me if they give me some cash.   donation.   for God.  

34 minutes ago, actonion said:

Such a gentle   no violent religion is Buddism they say   . !!!.. Corrupt as the rest of them.

Nothing to do with religion.

On 6/30/2025 at 9:25 AM, Harrisfan said:

Nothing to do with religion.

Monks are

24 minutes ago, actonion said:

Monks are

People

1 minute ago, Harrisfan said:

People

Religious people

Just now, actonion said:

Religious people

People do dumb stuff

Religion is a book

Like blaming a gun

4 minutes ago, actonion said:

Religious people

So atheists never kill? Wasnt Hitler and Stalin atheist?

7 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Religion is a book

Which book is Buddhism?

The Monks are a gang.

1 minute ago, MalcolmB said:

Which book is Buddhism?

Lots