Temple abbot redeems motorcycle to help struggling family (video)

A temple abbot used his personal funds to redeem a motorcycle that a woman had pawned to pay for three months of overdue electricity bills. The act was a gesture of gratitude for the family’s daily almsgiving.

The abbot posted the story on his personal Facebook page, recounting the heartwarming story.

“Today, I have a good story to share with everyone. [I] redeemed a motorcycle to repay the value of the rice and water that has been given for almsgiving every day.”

A video clip shows the abbot discussing how he would clear the debt for the motorcycle, which had been pawned by a family who regularly made merit despite their financial difficulties.

Another clip captures the moment when the abbot’s team returned the motorcycle to the family at their home, surprising the mother and daughter to the point of tears and prompting them to bow in gratitude upon seeing the vehicle.

The abbot recounted that a woman and three children had visited him at the temple the previous day, identifying themselves as the family of an elder woman named Gao.

Recognising the name immediately, the abbot remembered that Gao lived near the temple and had been a regular in making merit since he first established the temple. Although her husband, who used to join in the almsgiving, had passed away, Gao continued the practice daily.

Stacked troubles

The woman’s daughter informed the abbot that they had pawned their motorcycle for over ten thousand baht. Including interest, the redemption amount had reached 18,250 baht. Compounding her troubles, their home electricity had been cut off due to three months of unpaid bills.

Seeing their plight, the abbot decided to help. He contacted the pawnshop to settle the debt and arranged for the motorcycle to be returned to the family. The abbot explained his actions as a way to alleviate their suffering and reciprocate for their consistent merit-making.

He noted that he regularly helps villagers, sometimes publicly and sometimes privately, assessing each situation on its merits.

Reporters also visited the home of 76 year old Gao. While her daughter was out working, She shared that she has poor eyesight and makes a living by making and selling brooms.

Gao was unaware of the exact amount pawned until the abbot returned the motorcycle, informing her that the debt had been cleared. She expressed deep gratitude and joy for the abbot’s kindness, noting that the family had no means to redeem the vehicle on their own, reported Khaosod.