Parcel delivery dispute turns heated at Buriram temple

A notable incident occurred at a well-known temple in Buriram Province, where an enraged parcel delivery employee confronted the abbot over a change dispute, leading to a heated altercation. The abbot, in a video shared by a local headman, can be seen standing his ground.

The altercation was captured on video by the headman of Village No. 2 in the Nong Yai Sub-district, Satuek district, Jirat Achuayram. The video shows the delivery employee, estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old and around 160 centimetres tall, pointing and arguing with the abbot.

The confrontation escalated when the employee challenged the abbot to disrobe and physically fight him. In response, the abbot, 65 year old Phra Khru Thammawuthi, retorted that there was no need to disrobe, prompting the delivery employee to back off and leave.

Phra Khru Thammawuthi later explained the events leading up to the confrontation. He had ordered three trees online, with a total cost, including delivery, of 370 baht.

The delivery employee had called to notify the abbot of the delivery, to which the abbot agreed. Upon arrival, the abbot handed over a 1,000-baht note as he did not have the exact amount.

The delivery employee, claiming he had no change, promised to return with the correct amount after breaking the note within the village. After more than 20 minutes, the abbot called to follow up, and the employee returned, handing over just 30 baht, insisting it was the correct change.

The abbot

The abbot, confused and unsatisfied, watched as the employee left again, only to return claiming he had already given a 500-baht note in change, which further bewildered the abbot.

The situation came to a head on August 17, when the delivery employee returned to the temple to deliver items to another monk. The abbot confronted him again about the missing change, leading to the heated exchange caught on video.

Phra Khru Thammawuthi stated that he was fully aware and not forgetful to that extent.

Emphasising that he clearly remembered the money involved. He noted that the delivery employee’s behaviour was well-known among villagers, and while he often ignored minor discrepancies, this incident was too blatant to overlook.

Headman Jirat, who was present at the temple on August 17, a Buddhist holy day, intervened upon hearing the argument. He observed the delivery employee’s aggressive behaviour and recorded the incident as evidence, fearing potential harm to the abbot.

Jirat expressed his concern over the delivery employee’s conduct, describing him as a dangerous individual. He urged the delivery company to take disciplinary action against the employee, reported Khaosod.