Crime Tense Confrontation as Devotees Hurl Firebombs at Excavators During Temple Dispute

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

A violent clash erupted at a disputed temple site in Nong Phai District, Phetchabun Province, as three religious devotees were arrested after throwing firebombs and explosives at construction equipment preparing to demolish a shrine. The confrontation marks the latest escalation in an ongoing dispute over the fate of the shrine, known locally as a “hong jeh,” within the grounds of Wat Rong Bom temple.

 

The incident unfolded as two backhoes arrived to continue dismantling the remaining parts of the shrine in order to make way for a new boundary wall. The operation was initiated by Phra Ajarn Athikarnuch, the abbot of Wat Rong Bom, who had contracted the machinery for the task.

 

Since 1 July, tensions have been high between temple authorities and the followers of Mrs. Bussaba Ngaosalee, the founder of the hong jeh. She has resisted the demolition, claiming legal documents prohibit any removal and has vowed to stay and fight.

 

On the morning of 17 July, the demolition resumed under heavy security. Officers from Na Chaliang Police Station, local administrative volunteers, firefighters and rescue personnel were deployed to ensure order. White-clad practitioners affiliated with the shrine stood nearby, observing and engaging in heated exchanges with authorities.

 

Roughly 20 minutes into the demolition, the situation turned violent. Protesters hurled bricks, rocks, homemade ping pong bombs and Molotov cocktails at the excavators. One firebomb struck a backhoe, igniting a brief blaze. Emergency crews quickly extinguished the fire, but not before the machinery sustained damage, including shattered windows and dents.

 

Work was immediately halted to prevent further escalation.

 

Three individuals, two men and one woman, were apprehended at the scene. Police seized containers of petrol, slingshots, and homemade explosives. The suspects were taken to Na Chaliang Police Station for questioning, where they will face legal charges in due course.

 

This latest outbreak of violence follows injuries sustained earlier in the month when debris from the demolition fell on a worshipper. Local authorities have urged both sides to exercise restraint while legal proceedings regarding the disputed shrine continue.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1365545-demolition-of-phetchabun-temple-building-sparks-outcry/

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-18