Villagers Find Monk Dead, Suspected Elephant Attack

Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath 

A Buddhist monk was found dead by villagers on a footpath outside a rural community in Khon Kaen, with authorities suspecting he was attacked by a wild elephant while on his morning alms round. The discovery has shocked local residents and prompted a formal investigation, with officials preparing a post-mortem examination to confirm the exact cause of death.

The incident was reported at 06.30 on 17 Dec 2568, when Pol Lt Col Ekalak Phonsen, an investigating officer at Si Chomphu police station, received a report of a deceased monk found along a village path outside Ban Suan Sawan, Moo 3, Ban Mai sub-district, Si Chomphu district, Khon Kaen province. Police, a duty doctor from Si Chomphu Hospital and rescue workers from the Sattha Tham “Tekka” rescue unit in Ji Phu Koh rushed to the scene to investigate.

The body was identified as Phra Pramot, aged 70, who was found lying face down with his robe torn. His shoulder bag and alms bowl were scattered along the roadside and his body showed extensive bruising and injuries. The scene suggested a violent encounter, prompting initial assumptions that a wild elephant may have been responsible.

Villagers told police that Phra Pramot had lived alone for many years at a privately run monastic residence in the area. He had reportedly disappeared from the community for more than a year, previously telling local lay supporters that wild elephants had been disturbing the area and that he feared for his safety. He later returned and had been residing at the monastic site again for about a year before the incident.

According to preliminary inquiries, Phra Pramot had set out on foot to collect alms in the village on the morning of the incident. While walking along the forested path, he is believed to have encountered a wild elephant, that was in woodland beside the road. Villagers in nearby areas reported hearing the sounds of wild elephants foraging during the night prior to the discovery.

ThaiRath reported that officials have stressed that the cause of death has not yet been formally confirmed. The body will be sent to Srinagarind Hospital in Khon Kaen for a full autopsy to determine the precise cause of death and to establish whether the injuries were consistent with an elephant attack.

Key Takeaways

• A 70-year-old monk was found dead in Khon Kaen, with a wild elephant attack suspected.

• The incident occurred on 17 Dec 2568 while the monk was believed to be on his alms round.

• Authorities will conduct a post-mortem at Srinagarind Hospital to confirm the cause of death.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Thairath.2025-12-18