Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

A 14-year-old novice monk, known as Phret, was found deceased after being swept away in a spillway in Ban Kham, Chatu Raas district, Chaiyaphum province. His body was discovered at 07:00 on 20 September 2025, more than two kilometres from the site where he fell. Authorities recovered the body and covered it with cloth before awaiting a detailed examination by local police and medical personnel.

 

The incident had occurred on 18 September 2025 when Phret and seven other novice monks were playing in the water near the spillway behind the temple, around 200 metres from the main temple grounds. While attempting to cross the fast-flowing water, Phret fell into the deep end of the spillway. Two fellow novices jumped in to help but were swept away, though local villagers managed to rescue them.

 

Rescue operations involved Sangkhuntham Chaiyaphum Rescue Unit and a diving team, working through two days and nights alongside local authorities, village leaders, monks and community volunteers. Despite efforts, the strong current hindered immediate recovery. Traditional rituals were conducted during the search in a bid to ensure the safe retrieval of the missing monk.

 

Authorities noted that the combination of fast-flowing water and spillway depth posed significant risks. Community members and experts emphasised the importance of vigilance around such water hazards. The swift cooperation of villagers, rescue personnel, and local officials was credited with maintaining safety for the other novices involved.

 

Phret’s body has been taken for formal examination by medical officers and police before being released to his family. Officials are reviewing safety measures around the spillway to prevent similar incidents in the future.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A 14-year-old novice monk drowned after being swept away in a Chaiyaphum spillway.

• Rescue teams and villagers searched for two days and found his body over two kilometres from the fall site.

• Authorities will conduct examinations before releasing the body to the family for funeral rites.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-09-21

 

 

 

 

 

R.I.P. young man.