Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A tragic incident has shaken the community at Wat Sala Thong in Nakhon Ratchasima, as police search for a monk, known as Tik, wanted in connection with the alleged fatal assault of a disciple.

 

The unsettling episode unfolded around 1:30 am yesterday, leaving 46-year-old Somsak dead from severe head injuries, reportedly inflicted by a hard object. Authorities discovered the scene littered with signs of drinking, including a shattered white liquor bottle.

 

Witness accounts reveal that Somsak was drinking with friends when Tik, a monk temporarily residing at the temple, confronted him. The dispute erupted after Somsak allegedly asked temple boys to procure alcohol. The confrontation escalated, with Tik allegedly striking Somsak with a bottle, resulting in his death. Tik subsequently fled the scene.

 

Police Lieutenant Panuwat Bua Phan of the Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station is leading efforts to apprehend Tik. Searches of Tik's living quarters yielded only a running fan and some bloodstains, as the monk remains elusive.

 

Local residents have described Tik as a frequent alcohol consumer, often enlisting others to purchase liquor. Reports suggest Tik harboured long-standing animosity towards Somsak. On the fateful night, Tik allegedly consumed a large bottle of alcohol before the altercation. Witnesses attempted to intervene but were met with aggression, one being forced to retreat after trying to stop the violence.

 

According to witnesses, Tik delivered a potent blow to Somsak's head, leaving him motionless, before dragging his body away and fleeing with his belongings. There is palpable fear among residents, given Tik’s notorious violent past as a thug and soldier.

 

Assistant Abbot Vichai Akkachaiyo identified the monk as Mongkol Techathammo, or Tik, aged around 45, from Sa Kaeo. His troubled history includes a stay at Wat Khao Sukim and subsequent residence at another temple in the Choho subdistrict. Expelled due to his drinking, Tik had been residing at Wat Sala Thong on a temporary basis during Buddhist Lent.

 

Assistant Abbot Vichai recounted Tik’s reclusive nature and reluctance to engage in monastic activities. He often pursued alms rounds solo, accompanied by Suwet, who frequently purchased alcohol for him. Plans to expel Tik after Lent were in place but came too late.

 

Reflecting on the incident, Vichai expressed that such violence was unprecedented in his decade at the temple. He urged Buddhists to discern between Tik’s actions and the peaceful teachings of the wider Buddhist faith, emphasising the importance of maintaining trust in their spiritual community.

 

As police continue their manhunt, the incident underscores the complex interplay of personal shortcomings with religious expectations, leaving a community grappling with shock and grief. The chase for justice presses on, with Tik’s arrest remaining a top priority for authorities.

 

This distressing event has sparked broader reflections on the responsibilities of religious figures and the impact of personal conduct on public faith, as locals strive to rebuild and maintain their community's spiritual harmony.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-25

 

Fake monks up to monkey business.

Just an everyday thing now.

T.I.T.

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Local residents have described Tik as a frequent alcohol consumer, often enlisting others to purchase liquor. Reports suggest Tik harboured long-standing animosity towards Somsak. On the fateful night, Tik allegedly consumed a large bottle of alcohol before the altercation.

 

The devil drink strikes again.

What are monks doing drinking? Is the spiritual path not cleansing their souls in the least bit?

 

He harboured long-standing animosity. So the alcohol comes in and does what it does best - releases repressed anger and removes inhibitions to act out violently. The famous alcohol 1-2 punch. 

 

14 hours ago, quake said:

Fake monks up to monkey business.

Just an everyday thing now.

T.I.T.

A bit like Thailand... let anyone in.

...'Fatal Assault'... (?)

 

...A Euphemism For Homicide/Killing/Manslaughter/Murder ... (?)

You showed me disobedience, as my devotee I insist on absolute fealty. I am actually a 13-year-old stuck inside a man's body with no emotional development whatsoever, and I just can't handle myself when people reject me, "my principles" or my "so-called teachings". 

 I had to scratch my head on this comment with an open mouth," discovered the scene littered with signs of drinking, including a shattered white liquor bottle. And WE cannot drink on on special Buddhist holidays.  The hypocrisy of that law. Just let Farang drink every day without these insane laws. More tourists will come.

37 minutes ago, cynic1 said:

 I had to scratch my head on this comment with an open mouth," discovered the scene littered with signs of drinking, including a shattered white liquor bottle. And WE cannot drink on on special Buddhist holidays.  The hypocrisy of that law. Just let Farang drink every day without these insane laws. More tourists will come.

 

Anyone can drink on Buddha days, we just can't buy it on those days

The Abbott should have expelled him as soon as he showed reluctance to stop drinking and not adhering to to the monastic code of conduct.

Monastic discipline isn't an optional !

 

 

1 hour ago, proton said:

 

Anyone can drink on Buddha days, we just can't buy it on those days

Whatever. Being a bit pedantic are you not? Buying is what I meant.

14 minutes ago, cynic1 said:

Whatever. Being a bit pedantic are you not? Buying is what I meant.

 

But you said WE cannot drink on Buddha days

22 hours ago, proton said:

 

But you said WE cannot drink on Buddha days

Yes I did. It was an error. I should have said," cannot buy takeaway alcohol. Sue me for that lack of description!