Accident Monk Saved After Cliff Fall in Surin Temple Grounds

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Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a dramatic turn of events, 66-year-old monk Prasert Sathale had a close brush with disaster at Wat Khao Sala Utthathanacharo in Surin province when he fell from a 10-metre cliff while clearing leaves. Rescue operations and a swift medical response have stabilised his condition, bringing a sigh of relief to the local community.

 

The incident, which occurred on the afternoon of August 19, saw local rescue teams from Bua Chet and Tadan districts springing into action after an emergency call alerted them to the accident. Upon arriving at the serene yet perilous temple grounds, they found the injured monk nestled in the cliff's rock crevices, unable to stand due to injuries primarily affecting his left leg.

 

With admirable efficiency, the rescue team administered preliminary first aid and gently transported Prasert up the challenging terrain using a stretcher, avoiding further harm. From there, he was conveyed to Bua Chet Hospital, where medical staff confirmed his condition to be stable.

 

Eyewitness accounts from fellow monks reveal that the incident unfolded during routine maintenance of the temple grounds, as they collectively worked to clear leaves. They were initially alerted to the mishap by a sudden, loud thud and subsequent cries emanating from below the cliff. Concerned for his welfare, they quickly discovered their fellow monk at the base of the cliff, initially suspecting a slip or possible dizziness as the cause.

 

This incident highlights the inherent risks faced by those maintaining sacred spaces nestled in more rugged landscapes. The monks at the temple are a tight-knit community, and such an event has resonated deeply among them. Support for Prasert from his fellow monks and the wider community has been heartfelt, with many awaiting further information once he is able to communicate more clearly about the details of the accident.

 

In an unrelated incident that also highlights unexpected perils, a foreign tourist in Patong has suffered severe injuries following a fall from a hotel on Phra Mettha Road under mysterious circumstances. This separate event, which took place on the evening of August 18, has left the individual in critical condition, underscoring a challenging day for emergency services.

 

Patong Police, led by Deputy Investigation Chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Somprasong Labaisat, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tourist's fall. Emergency responders found the man by the hotel's rear, sustaining multiple fractures but, thankfully, still breathing. The situation remains under investigation as authorities piece together the events leading to the fall.

 

Both incidents serve as stark reminders of unforeseen dangers present in daily life and travel, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and support systems when accidents occur. Rescue teams and medical personnel continue to be lauded for their swift, life-saving interventions in these challenging situations.

 

As Prasert receives care and with community support gathering around him, the temple and local residents reflect on their unity and the resilience shown in facing life's unpredictable turns. Similarly, in Patong, authorities are diligently working to unravel the mystery as the tourist receives urgent medical treatment.

 

These cases emphasise the critical role of rapid response and community solidarity, echoing the need for constant awareness and readiness to assist when life throws unexpected challenges.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-20