Fresh Tensions Erupt at Phetchabun Temple as Court-Ordered Demolition Sparks Standoff

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

Tensions flared once again at Wat Rong Bom in Nong Phai district, Phetchabun province, as temple authorities began dismantling a Chinese shrine (known locally as a rong je) in line with a court order, only to be met with resistance from a group of devout practitioners.

The incident marks the latest chapter in a long-running land dispute between the temple and the operators of the shrine. The conflict, ongoing for years, reached a boiling point after the temple’s administrative committee initiated demolition works in accordance with a 2020 court ruling. The judgement mandated the removal of the shrine structures within five years and was reinforced by an agreement on 29 May 2025, under which both parties consented to vacate the premises without enforcement and transfer the assets to the temple.

Despite advance notice of the demolition plan, tensions remained high. Practitioners opposing the move claim they are in the process of requesting a temporary injunction and have vowed to protect the shrine. Earlier this month, on 17 July, a petrol bomb was reportedly thrown at an excavator, setting it ablaze and escalating fears of further unrest.

On the day of the demolition, over 100 personnel, including crowd control police, district officials, local leaders and community volunteers, were deployed to secure the area. A command centre was established within the temple grounds. However, negotiations between the temple and shrine representatives broke down and minor clashes erupted during the removal of items from the premises.

Later in the afternoon, a group of local residents attempted to assist in getting an excavator into the contested zone, triggering further chaos. Authorities responded by detaining four leading protestors from the meditation group and transporting them to Na Chaliang Police Station to defuse the situation.

Security forces continue to maintain a presence at the site amid fears of renewed conflict. Temple officials reiterated their intention to use the cleared land for the construction of a new ordination hall and for ongoing temple development.

Related article:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1367061-tense-confrontation-as-devotees-hurl-firebombs-at-excavators-during-temple-dispute/

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-24