Vandalism Reported at Khon Kaen Naga Shrine

By Teeranai Charuvastra, Staff Reporter

 

Photo: Nagaramantra / Facebook

 

KHON KAEN — A shrine dedicated to the mythical Naga creature was torched and smashed to pieces earlier this week, according to a religious group that manages it.

 

Photos posted online by Wat Tham Phupa Daeng in Khon Kaen province showed remnants of what used to be statues of the water serpent god Naga. The temple condemned the incident as blasphemous vandalism, while police suspect it might be related to a past conflict between the Naga faithful and local communities.

 

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/crimecourtscalamity/2017/04/15/vandalism-reported-khon-kaen-naga-shrine/

 

 

-- © Copyright Khaosod English 2017-04-16

While this definitely seems to be a case of wanton vandalism, perhaps by a jealous local competitor, I am not sure about the blasphemy angle, or whether worshipping a mythical serpent creature is entirely appropriate in a "Buddhist" temple? not that there is any shortage of animist beliefs practiced as standard in most Thai temples, which are generally wonderful mixes of mostly Brahminism and animism, with a smattering of Buddhism thrown in for good measure.  

Hisss!