Thai woman’s devotion to Buriram cult blamed for husband’s death
A strong belief in a cult by a Thai woman in the Isaan province of Buriram allegedly led to the death of her husband, who suffered from tuberculosis (TB) and severe malnutrition.
A photograph of the home of the 59 year old woman, Boonrian, was shared on social media, eliciting sympathy from the public. The house is without walls or a bathroom, and the person who posted the image stated that Boonrian did not even have a pillow to sleep on.
Alongside the sympathy, the image also provoked criticism against local government officials. Netizens accused officials of neglecting the hardships faced by residents.
The village head, Jomsri Chanphet, informed Channel 3 that Boonrian lived alone in the small wooden hut. Her children, who work in other provinces, send her money each month. He received 2,000 baht from her son and 1,000 baht from her daughter monthly.
The criticism prompted officials to visit Boonrian’s home yesterday, April 23. Officials brought drinking water, canned food, and other necessities to offer to Boonrian and waited for her return from the sugarcane field where she works.
Surprisingly, Boonrian declined the items offered by the officials, saying that she only needed money for transport to attend a Dhamma retreat, which has two centres in Nong Hong and Lam Prai Mart districts of Buriram.
Boonrian’s 64 year old sister, Rian, explained to the officials that Boonrian had joined the cult ten years ago and had since dedicated herself to following the practices prescribed by the cult leader.
She donated most of the money she earned, along with contributions from her children, to the cult. She also adopted a vegan lifestyle in line with the leader’s guidance, encouraging her husband, who was ill with TB, to do the same.
Rian said she would often secretly bring grilled meat to Boonrian’s husband, concerned that a vegetarian diet was unsuitable for someone with TB. She urged him to stop following his wife’s way of living, but he remained devoted to her and her beliefs.
According to Rian, Boonrian’s husband died two years ago due to a combination of TB and severe malnutrition.
The Director of Nong Hong Hospital, Wimonphan, confirmed Rian’s statement, explaining that the medical team had provided the man with suitable food for his condition, but he refused it. The lack of proper nutrition exacerbated his TB, ultimately leading to his death.
Channel 7 reported that the cult encourages followers to renounce material wealth and instead make wishes as directed by the cult leader to attain a successful life. Journalists who visited the cult’s centre were denied interviews by the cult leader and staff.
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