Mystery surrounds death of Thai monk with bag over head
Monk's sister reveals alleged bullying and air-con dispute
A Thai monk died in mysterious circumstances in his accommodation at a temple in the central province of Samut Songkhram. He had a plastic rubbish bag covering his head, with a pillow placed over his face.
Officers from Amphawa Police Station investigated the death of 70 year old monk Boonman Sanjitto at Payayat Temple (also known as Wat Pak Ngam) in Amphawa district. His 72 year old sister, Phanthip, and his daughter were the ones who discovered his body.
According to a report from Matichon, Boonman was found lying face up on his bed, with a pillow covering his face. His head was enclosed in a black plastic rubbish bag, which was secured around his neck using colourful holy thread.
Phanthip informed the police that Boonman had been ordained for over 20 years. He had been diagnosed with lymphoma and had suffered a stroke in recent years, prompting him to temporarily leave the monkhood for medical treatment.
He returned to the temple earlier this year after his health had improved. According to Phanthip, he received permission from the temple to install an air conditioner in his living quarters due to his ongoing health issues.
However, she claimed that this installation led to Boonman being ridiculed and bullied by another monk. This monk reportedly urged residents not to make merit or donate money to Boonman, asserting that he was wealthier than others because he had an air conditioner.
In April, an unidentified suspect damaged the air conditioner’s compressor, prompting Phanthip to hire a technician for repairs. She suspected a fellow monk was responsible for the damage.
Police initially concluded the case as a suicide, noting there were no signs of a struggle or theft in Boonman’s room. They speculated that the monk’s suffering from cancer and other health issues may have led him to take his own life.
Phanthip accepted that her younger brother may have taken his own life, but she believed the cause was not his health problems, but rather the distress caused by persistent bullying.
She left a message for the monk she accused of tormenting Boonman…
“Are you satisfied with my brother’s death? I want a confession from you. You caused my brother so much stress that he took his own life. If you realise you were wrong, attend his funeral and apologise to him.”
Although preliminary findings pointed towards suicide, police transferred Boonman’s body to Ratchaburi Hospital for a full autopsy to confirm the cause of death.
If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help.
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