Picture courtesy of SiamNews.

 

A 16-year-old boy assaulted a Buddhist abbot in Nonthaburi province after being instructed not to dig for worms on temple grounds, police said.

 

The incident occurred at around 16:30 on 31 August. Phra Mahanimitr, abbot of a local temple, visited Muang Nonthaburi police station to file a complaint. He sustained injuries to his face and bruising around his eyes after the teenager struck him.

 

According to Phra Mahanimitr, he had discovered the youth digging for worms in a designated sanctuary area used for charitable purposes. He intervened, taking hold of the boy’s ear and neck to stop him, as similar incidents had occurred at the temple previously. The abbot emphasised that he did not strike the boy or retaliate.

 

An eyewitness, Mrs Nuch, wife of a temple committee member, said the abbot had repeatedly warned the youth and others in the group, but the warnings had been ignored. On the day of the incident, the 16-year-old returned with two others, shouting abusive language at the abbot. She described the attack as excessive and wholly inappropriate towards a member of the clergy.

 

The teenager, identified only as Mr A, told police he had not intended to harm the abbot and was unaware the temple was a protected area. He claimed he acted in self-defence after the abbot allegedly used force, saying he could not breathe due to being grabbed by the neck. He has apologised to the abbot and discussed the matter with his parents.

 

Police are continuing to collect evidence and await medical reports to proceed with legal action.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from SiamNews 2025-09-02

 

 

 

8 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

He claimed he acted in self-defence after the abbot allegedly used force, saying he could not breathe due to being grabbed by the neck

sure, what did the abbot expect? one use force with someone powerless, then should get same in return. next time he will think about using his "holy" powers. I think well done.

Kid must pull quite a powerful punch to do that much damage maybe get him into boxing.