Remote-Control Aircraft Crashes Into Phuket Temple Hall

[george]

Remote-control aircraft crashes into Phuket temple hall

The entrance to Wat Luang Pu Supha, claimed by

devotees to be the home of the world's oldest man.

PHUKET: -- One of the island’s most famous temples is threatening to file a police complaint after a remotely-controlled aircraft crashed into the roof of the nuns' dining hall on Wednesday night.

News of the damage at Wat Luang Pu Supha in Chalong Village 6 was reported to the media yesterday at 12:30pm by Mr Piyawat Leehaweerachart, a 45-year-old layman who serves as the temple’s financial affairs coordinator.

According to Mr Piyawat, the triangular-shaped aircraft slammed into the roof of the nuns' dining hall, dislodging three ceramic tiles.

Mr Piyawat said it was not the first time a remote-controlled aircraft had crashed on temple grounds.

A group of remote controlled aircraft enthusiasts have long used the area to fly their aircraft, he said.

Mr Piyawat told police he had warned the club members many times, but to no avail.

The fact that no-one had come forward to accept responsibility for the latest crash, or one that preceded it six months ago, prompted him to contact police, he said.

For comment on the complaint, the Gazette contacted Korn Chamreonwong, head of the Chalong Remote Control Airplane Club.

Mr Korn, who also operates a remote-control airplane parts shop on Soi Yodsane in Chalong, admitted it was his own aircraft that caused the damage on Wednesday night.

He said he went to the temple with Burmese workmen the following morning to fix the damage, but the workers said they needed an extra-high ladder that they could only get in Thalang.

Mr Korn said he went back to his shop to wait for them.

By the time the work team returned with the ladder, Mr Piyawat, accompanied by police and media, had already come and gone, he explained.

Mr Korn said he has already paid for the completed repair work and donated 1,000 baht to the temple ask for forgiveness.

There has been three accidents over the past two years, he admitted.

The most serious was the crash of a remotely-controlled plane into the roof of the main prayer hall six months ago.

The member responsible, identified only as “Toto”, refused the accept responsibility for the mishap, he said.

To pay for the damage from that accident Mr Korn said he set up a collection box in the area where the members meet, near the site where the new Klong Krata Reservoir Dam will be built. He had urged the members to chip in a small amount every time they met to pay for past damages, he said.

Chalong Police Deputy Inspector Pol Capt Chotipong Kessarin said that as soon as the temple directors file an official police complaint they will send letters to the Chalong Remote Control Airplane Club and the temple management, asking both sides to meet at Chalong Police Station.

Wat Luang Pu Supha bears the name of its abbot, the revered Luang Pu Supha.

Reputedly the world’s oldest living man and about to celebrate his 114th birthday on September 4, his devotees are preparing a grand celebration to mark the occasion.

For the previous report click here.

The Gazette notes that the club's activities in the area predates construction of the temple.

The temple's new main prayer hall, built at a cost of 30 million baht, will officially open on Luang Pu Supha's birthday.

-- Phuket Gazette 2010-08-20

[Soutpeel]

Slow day for the news is it George ??

[Payboy]

In related news a remote controlled car crashed into a sofa causing severe damage to the leather upholstery. A collection box has been set up to recover damages.

[TheBarbarian]

It might accidentally have hit Anupong's balloon.

[Piengrudee]

September 11?

[dom samui]

September 11?

August 20

[kartman]

Are the pilots / pilot OK or will they have to be remoulded?.

[RickBradford]

Several attacks on the nuns' dining hall in the last 6 months?

It's becoming a bit of a habit.

[harrry]

Not very jai yen yen is it

[RickBradford]

[LivinLOS]

Really how childish is this.. Ere Mister ?? Can we have our ball back please ??

And for the abbot to get the police involved !!! The flying club was there before the Temple, just the abbot having a hissy at not immediately being kowtowed to.

Seriously what happened to a little tolerance.

[devaram]

Thanks for publishing the real news.

Thanks for not publishing such triva as that the Thai government is blocking wikileaks website and claiming that they are not blocking it. They say its a server problem! ( ha ha ha)

[jb5music]

Um. Not in the headline during the story or in any of the first few replies do you see the term

"model" used. After awhile it finally comes to light vaguely that it was a

"model" radio control airplane and not quite a radio control aircraft.

Aircraft is something people use to ride around in the air, no?.

That's maybe why you couldn't really refer to an RC model plane as an

"aircraft" Although I'm not sure of that. Anyway the description

of what it was that crashed into the temple was trying as hard as it could

(seams to me) to instill a picture of a full size flying vehicle in the readers mind.

Only after reading the entire story and then even a few posts does it as I said

vaguely emerge that it was a 'model' or miniature toy aircraft.

[jb5music]

In related news a remote controlled car crashed into a sofa causing severe damage to the leather upholstery. A collection box has been set up to recover damages.

Did the local upholstery shop have to wait a day to come back with a latter to fix it?

[kissdani]

Um. Not in the headline during the story or in any of the first few replies do you see the term

"model" used. After awhile it finally comes to light vaguely that it was a

"model" radio control airplane and not quite a radio control aircraft.

Aircraft is something people use to ride around in the air, no?.

That's maybe why you couldn't really refer to an RC model plane as an

"aircraft" Although I'm not sure of that. Anyway the description

of what it was that crashed into the temple was trying as hard as it could

(seams to me) to instill a picture of a full size flying vehicle in the readers mind.

Only after reading the entire story and then even a few posts does it as I said

vaguely emerge that it was a 'model' or miniature toy aircraft.

You mean that the Chalong Remote Control Airplane Club has to be renamed into Chalong Remote Control Miniature Toy Airplane Club?

[whybother]

Um. Not in the headline during the story or in any of the first few replies do you see the term

"model" used. After awhile it finally comes to light vaguely that it was a

"model" radio control airplane and not quite a radio control aircraft.

Aircraft is something people use to ride around in the air, no?.

That's maybe why you couldn't really refer to an RC model plane as an

"aircraft" Although I'm not sure of that. Anyway the description

of what it was that crashed into the temple was trying as hard as it could

(seams to me) to instill a picture of a full size flying vehicle in the readers mind.

Only after reading the entire story and then even a few posts does it as I said

vaguely emerge that it was a 'model' or miniature toy aircraft.

I don't think you really read the article close enough.

... the triangular-shaped aircraft slammed into the roof of the nuns' dining hall, dislodging three ceramic tiles.... A group of remote controlled aircraft enthusiasts have long used the area to fly their aircraft, he said. ... Mr Piyawat told police he had warned the club members many times, but to no avail. ... head of the Chalong Remote Control Airplane Club. ... who also operates a remote-control airplane parts shop ... He said he went to the temple with Burmese workmen the following morning to fix the damage, ... already paid for the completed repair work and donated 1,000 baht to the temple ask for forgiveness....

Most people would initially assume that "remote controlled aircraft" would be models, given the number of military remote controlled aircraft you see flying around Thailand (ie none).

Edited August 21, 2010 by whybother

[jackr]

Really how childish is this.. Ere Mister ?? Can we have our ball back please ??

And for the abbot to get the police involved !!! The flying club was there before the Temple, just the abbot having a hissy at not immediately being kowtowed to.

Seriously what happened to a little tolerance.

Exactly. It's an inanimate object and the Buddhist tenet: "The cessation of suffering: freedom from attachment and aversion" needs noting by the abbot.

All this flashiness and desire to create a magnificent structure is not what the Buddha was about.

[surangw]

practice for smuggling high value drugs over the border?

[warfie]

three tiles dislodged?

hahahaha

[bangon04]

three tiles dislodged?

hahahaha

Just wait until the RTAF starts practising with its new Saab Gripens......

[geriatrickid]

I have it from reliable sources that the aircraft in question was actually stolen by two rascals,who are now being sought by special agents from the FPP (Fisher Price Police) pictured below.

My sources have told me that two locals were injured by the falling debris. The young married couple are now resting at their home. See picture below of Bhirombhakdi and Sunapee Pimpan

[seri thai]

Really how childish is this.. Ere Mister ?? Can we have our ball back please ??

And for the abbot to get the police involved !!! The flying club was there before the Temple, just the abbot having a hissy at not immediately being kowtowed to.

Seriously what happened to a little tolerance.

Exactly. It's an inanimate object and the Buddhist tenet: "The cessation of suffering: freedom from attachment and aversion" needs noting by the abbot.

All this flashiness and desire to create a magnificent structure is not what the Buddha was about.

"Howzat!"

[Bagwan]

This sad event was obviously caused by evil spirits who wrested control of the airborne toy.  I suggest that the Abbott organises an exorcism ceremony - or builds a bigger spirit house.

[jb5music]

Where exactly does a printed headline "Remote-Control Aircraft Crashes Into Phuket Temple Hall"

fall in your mind?

"Military Drone crashes through roof of temple" or

"Kids Toy Plane gets stuck on roof"

I need badly to drum up some clicks so let's see - Let's word the facts so

"Kids Toy Plane gets stuck on roof" sounds more like

"Military Drone crashes through roof of temple" That'll get em clickin.

[jb5music]

I have it from reliable sources that the aircraft in question was actually stolen by two rascals,who are now being sought by special agents from the FPP (Fisher Price Police) pictured below.

My sources have told me that two locals were injured by the falling debris. The young married couple are now resting at their home. See picture below of Bhirombhakdi and Sunapee Pimpan

Science is fun until you stupidly show it to the local monkey who uses it poison you with it.

[jb5music]

Um. Not in the headline during the story or in any of the first few replies do you see the term

"model" used. After awhile it finally comes to light vaguely that it was a

"model" radio control airplane and not quite a radio control aircraft.

Aircraft is something people use to ride around in the air, no?.

That's maybe why you couldn't really refer to an RC model plane as an

"aircraft" Although I'm not sure of that. Anyway the description

of what it was that crashed into the temple was trying as hard as it could

(seams to me) to instill a picture of a full size flying vehicle in the readers mind.

Only after reading the entire story and then even a few posts does it as I said

vaguely emerge that it was a 'model' or miniature toy aircraft.

I don't think you really read the article close enough.

... the triangular-shaped aircraft slammed into the roof of the nuns' dining hall, dislodging three ceramic tiles.... A group of remote controlled aircraft enthusiasts have long used the area to fly their aircraft, he said. ... Mr Piyawat told police he had warned the club members many times, but to no avail. ... head of the Chalong Remote Control Airplane Club. ... who also operates a remote-control airplane parts shop ... He said he went to the temple with Burmese workmen the following morning to fix the damage, ... already paid for the completed repair work and donated 1,000 baht to the temple ask for forgiveness....

Most people would initially assume that "remote controlled aircraft" would be models, given the number of military remote controlled aircraft you see flying around Thailand (ie none).

Where exactly does a printed headline "Remote-Control Aircraft Crashes Into Phuket Temple Hall"

fall in your mind?

"Military Drone crashes through roof of temple" or

"Kids Toy Plane gets stuck on roof"

I need badly to drum up some clicks so let's see - Let's word the facts so

"Kids Toy Plane gets stuck on roof" sounds more like

"Military Drone crashes through roof of temple" That'll get em clickin.

[jb5music]

Um. Not in the headline during the story or in any of the first few replies do you see the term

"model" used. After awhile it finally comes to light vaguely that it was a

"model" radio control airplane and not quite a radio control aircraft.

Aircraft is something people use to ride around in the air, no?.

That's maybe why you couldn't really refer to an RC model plane as an

"aircraft" Although I'm not sure of that. Anyway the description

of what it was that crashed into the temple was trying as hard as it could

(seams to me) to instill a picture of a full size flying vehicle in the readers mind.

Only after reading the entire story and then even a few posts does it as I said

vaguely emerge that it was a 'model' or miniature toy aircraft.

I don't think you really read the article close enough.

... the triangular-shaped aircraft slammed into the roof of the nuns' dining hall, dislodging three ceramic tiles.... A group of remote controlled aircraft enthusiasts have long used the area to fly their aircraft, he said. ... Mr Piyawat told police he had warned the club members many times, but to no avail. ... head of the Chalong Remote Control Airplane Club. ... who also operates a remote-control airplane parts shop ... He said he went to the temple with Burmese workmen the following morning to fix the damage, ... already paid for the completed repair work and donated 1,000 baht to the temple ask for forgiveness....

Most people would initially assume that "remote controlled aircraft" would be models, given the number of military remote controlled aircraft you see flying around Thailand (ie none).

Where exactly does a printed headline "Remote-Control Aircraft Crashes Into Phuket Temple Hall"

fall in your mind?

"Military Drone crashes through roof of temple" or

"Kids Toy Plane gets stuck on roof"

I need badly to drum up some clicks so let's see - Let's word the facts so

"Kids Toy Plane gets stuck on roof" sounds more like

"Military Drone crashes through roof of temple" That'll get em clickin.

distilled down to..."Aircraft Crashes Into Phuket Temple Hall" Is not sensationalism?

Kids toy planes don't "Crash Into" Rooftops (ie No mention of "toy" or "model")

just "Aircrafts Crashing" (Boom! smash! - debris flying - people running - Sirens whaling)

click! click! Cli Cli Cli CliCliCliCliCliCli Oh Boy! See boss!! aren't I a great columnist!!

[whybother]

Where exactly does a printed headline "Remote-Control Aircraft Crashes Into Phuket Temple Hall"

fall in your mind?

"Military Drone crashes through roof of temple" or

"Kids Toy Plane gets stuck on roof"

I need badly to drum up some clicks so let's see - Let's word the facts so

"Kids Toy Plane gets stuck on roof" sounds more like

"Military Drone crashes through roof of temple" That'll get em clickin.

You obviously jumped to the conclusion that it was a military drone. You've been watching too many movies lately..

The detail in the article makes it pretty clear that it wasn't a military drone.

Most people would probably assume it was a toy aircraft, particularly in Phuket (where the article was originally published), because Thailand doesn't really have a big history with military drones, and it would have been much bigger news if it had been a military drone.

Edited August 24, 2010 by whybother

[Payboy]

Amidst all that temple brouhaha, we have all missed the other great breaking news. Yesterday, a kite got stuck in a tree at Sanam Luang dislodging leaves before the official arrival of the fall season. The kite-flyer fled the scene and was reportedly spotted at a karaoke in Poipet.

[warfie]

A kids toy hits a nearby building... how is this newsworthy?