thai temple
- Thailand News
Battle of the monks: Nonthaburi temple settles 20-year land dispute
The longstanding legal battle over the land between Wat Suan Kaeo in Nonthaburi and the heirs of the original landowners has been finally settled. The Wat Suan Kaeo Foundation had previously lost its claim to the land in a legal dispute, requiring them to pay 1.9 million baht in damages. The resolution was reached with the assistance of lawyer Anantachai,…
- Thailand News
Monks escape Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima temple fire
A dramatic fire outbreak at a renowned temple in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, prompted monks and novices to flee for their lives in the dead of night yesterday. Firefighters deployed four fire engines to combat the blaze, which was finally subdued after over an hour. The extent of the damage remains unassessed. The incident occurred at 10.30pm yesterday,…
- Thailand News
Thai police investigate feng shui fraud causing 2 million baht loss
Controversy has erupted around a renowned feng shui master, with multiple victims stepping forward to file complaints through a popular programme. The situation caught the attention of the Thai national police, prompting Police General Kittirat Phanphet to assign Police Lieutenant General Akka-radech Phimonsri, along with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), to oversee the case. Venerable Wachira Wachirapanyo from Lam Luk…
- Thailand News
Reel trouble: Anglers cause turmoil at Chon Buri sanctuary
A major row erupted at Wat Yan Sangwararam in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, when a large group of fishermen brazenly set up their rods in the sacred sanctuary area. The incident, which took place on September 27th, prompted the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to swoop in and seize fishing equipment from a group of teenagers. But the drama didn’t end…
- Thailand News
Flooding from Doi Suthep damages temple in Chiang Mai
A torrent of muddy water from Doi Suthep wreaked havoc at Wat Phala, located at the base of the mountain in Chiang Mai, severely damaging the temple’s roof and walls. This sudden flood followed continuous heavy rains in the region. Reporters highlighted the aftermath of the relentless downpour that drenched Chiang Mai city and Doi Suthep yesterday, September 27. The…
- Thailand News
Phetchaburi temple under fire for destroying cultural plaster art
A prominent temple in Phetchaburi province is facing criticism for destroying cultural plaster art by a national artist to make way for a coffee shop. Academic and renowned writer Niphatporn Pengkaew shared images and comments on Facebook yesterday, September 23, showcasing the plaster art, and local wisdom of Phetchaburi. The post revealed that the plaster art, created by national artist…
- Thailand News
Newborn baby girl abandoned in temple toilet in Chon Buri
A newborn baby girl was abandoned in a temple bathroom, sparking local outrage and a police investigation. The baby was found wrapped in a towel and covered with a pink cloth, left in a quiet temple in Chon Buri province, surrounded by large trees. The incident came to light yesterday, September 20, when the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in…
- Thailand News
Locals seek lottery luck at Phrae temple ceremony
Locals flocked to Chai Mongkol Temple in the northern province of Phrae to seek lucky numbers from a grand ceremony honouring Thao Wessuwan, hoping for a big lottery win. A local vendor revealed that since offering to the temple, her life has significantly improved, with her business thriving. A group of residents, led by Sukanya, a fresh market vendor, gathered…
- Thailand News
Ayutthaya temple vandalised, sparks online outrage
Ayutthaya’s Wat Mae Nang Pleum recently faced a shameful incident where a local teenager spray-painted a sign at the temple, which has become a popular tourist spot since the visit of celebrity Lisa from BLACKPINK. The act sparked widespread criticism online. The incident took place at Wat Mae Nang Pleum in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, where the sign and letters…
- Thailand News
Chiang Mai temple halts 19-metre statue plan after public outcry
Wat Phra That Doi Kham in Chiang Mai has decided to halt its plan to build the world’s tallest Taowesuwan statue, standing at 19 metres, after facing significant opposition from locals and social media users. The revered temple, located in Mae Hia, Mueang district, had initiated a ceremony to install the giant statue’s feet, intending to provide devotees with a…
- Thailand News
Police pursue suspect after man murdered near Khon Kaen temple
Police are actively pursuing the suspect who brutally murdered a man on a road near a temple in Khon Kaen province. The victim’s brother revealed that the deceased had been helping with a funeral in the village and was attacked while on his way to deliver food to an elderly acquaintance. Surachet Matnok, a sub-inspector at Nong Song Hong Police…
- Thailand News
Thai teacher kills ex-wife and father-in-law at Ayutthaya temple
A young Thai teacher shot and killed his former wife and father-in-law at a temple in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya before fleeing the scene. The suspect has since contacted the police to surrender. Officers at Rong Chang Police Station received a report yesterday at 6.30pm about a shooting at Wat Chao Pluk in Maha Rat district. Upon arrival, officers, along…
- Thailand News
Bangkok’s Wat Pho climbs Asia’s top travel list
Bangkok’s Wat Phra Chetuphon, famously known as Wat Pho, clinched a coveted spot among TripAdvisor’s 25 most popular destinations in Asia for 2024. This year, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha proudly stands at 9th place, a testament to its enduring appeal since it first made the list in 2020. TripAdvisor’s glowing recommendation highlights the tranquil allure of Wat Pho,…
- Thailand News
Thai man who won the lottery shaves his head as promised
A young man won the lottery, cleared his debts, and promptly visited a temple to shave his head as promised. He vowed to donate half his winnings to the temple if he wins again. Yesterday at Phra Borommathat Worawihan Temple in Chai Nat, 23 year old Aphimuk Pholkhong, a general labourer, brought offerings including red incense sticks, red garlands, red…
- Thailand News
Sukhothai temple warns against releasing catfish
A temple in Sukhothai has gained widespread online attention for its warning sign against releasing catfish into local waters, highlighting the ecological damage caused by this practice. The sign at Wat Traphang Thong in Mueang District has sparked a viral discussion on social media. “Warning to those making merit: Do not release catfish as it destroys the ecosystem. “Avoid releasing…
- Thailand News
Buriram abbot moved to monastery after loudspeaker incident
A temple abbot in Buriram was taken to a nearby monastery to calm down after a loudspeaker incident at 4am caused a stir among locals. Stress during funeral preparations for his father was cited as the reason, with no drugs involved. A recent incident involving 47 year old Phra Khru Sutthithamparahat, the abbot of Mueang Fai Temple in Nang Rong…
- Thailand News
Temples banned from requiring HIV tests for ordination
The Sangha Supreme Council has endorsed a proposal from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to prevent temples from mandating HIV tests for men seeking ordination, arguing that HIV is not a chronic infectious disease. Wasan Paileeklee, a member of the NHRC, announced yesterday that the commission had looked into a complaint about a temple in Bangkok’s Suan Luang district,…
- Thailand News
Mystery stabbing shocks community at Chalong temple
The brutal stabbing of a Thai man behind Luang Pu Supha Temple in Chalong last night sparked a massive police investigation. The shocking incident has left the community in fear and sparked a full-scale investigation. Chalong Police Station officers were alerted to the gruesome discovery at 10.09pm, yesterday, May 29, via the 191 hotline. Police Lieutenant Colonel Somkiat Sarasit, head…
- Thailand News
Malaysian and Hong Kong actors visit Nakhon Pathom temple
A group of Malaysian and Hong Kong actors, including former celebrities and businesspeople, visited Wat Sawang Arom in Nakhon Pathom to seek blessings from Phra Kru Yati Thammanuyut, also known as Luang Pho Pae. They were particularly interested in receiving sacred tattoos on their hands, a practice believed to bring good fortune. The visit took place yesterday at Wat Sawang…
- Thailand News
Monk donates 300,000 baht to rebuild fire-damaged residence
A monk known for altruism donated 300,000 baht to aid in rebuilding a fire-damaged monk’s residence at Wat Suan Kaew in Nonthaburi. The fire tragically claimed the lives of three boys, with the exact cause still under investigation. Kom Saengbumrung, the former Director of the Engineering Division of Nonthaburi Municipality, was tasked yesterday, May 23, at 6.30pm by Luang Ta Sin…
- Thailand News
Teen dies after brutal assault at Nakhon Phanom temple
A 16 year old boy fell victim to a brutal assault by a group of eight teenagers after helping out at a temple in Phon Sawan, Nakhon Phanom. The culprits, aged between 16 and 18, were later apprehended by the police. The victim and a friend were returning from their temple duties at Wat Phra That Phon Sawan when they encountered…
- Thailand News
Ang Thong’s spirit boat lures lottery hopefuls with sacred numbers
A boat believed to be inhabited by spirits has become the centre of attraction in Ang Thong province, attracting locals with the lure of winning lottery numbers. The boat, located at Wat Mai Khok Marum temple, is linked to the tragic tale of a woman named Praewa and her unborn child, Grung Gring. It is thought to have sailed from…
- Thailand News
Massive turnout for sacred coin giveaway at Surin temple event
Thousands gathered at a temple in Surin Province, eagerly awaiting the distribution of sacred coins and other charitable gifts by the revered monk Luang Pu Heng, known as the god of fortune in southern Isaan. The event, also known as Wat Ban Dan Chong Jom, saw the distribution of 3,000 kilogrammes of rice and 200,000 baht in cash, drawing a…
- Thailand News
Glowing gold and sleek black eels captivate crowds at Thai temple
Villagers and tourists alike flocked to a Thai temple in Chon Buri to witness the enchanting sight of two extraordinary eels, one shimmering in dazzling gold, the other sleek in jet black. The eels swam in a basin at Wat Worapot Sangkhavas Temple in Phan Thong District, Chon Buri. The frenzy was sparked by a viral social media post showcasing…
- Thailand News
Phetchabun temple’s ritual sparks lottery fever
Scores of hopefuls gathered yesterday at the Wat Pratu Dao in Phetchabun to participate in a ceremonial blessing and fortune-seeking ritual in anticipation of the lottery draw scheduled for March 16. The event took place in the temple grounds located in the In Mueang district of Phetchabun province, which was once a site for the cremation and burial of executed…
- Thailand News
Clean karma: Temple’s toilet threat leaves visitors flushed
A temple in the Isaan province of Si Saket successfully kept its bathroom clean by employing a unique approach, issuing a warning to visitors that there would be severe consequences in the afterlife and karma haunt them if the temple’s monks had to handle their waste. Pictures of spray-painted messages on the bathroom wall within the Ta Dob Temple in…
- Thailand News
Kalasin celebrates temple land title deed with traditional procession
A ceremonial procession in Kalasin province involving over a hundred participants in traditional attire recently celebrated the issuance of a land title deed for a local temple. The event honoured the revered monk Luang Pu Ha Supharo, affectionately known as Dinosaur Monk, whose passing on November 24 last year marked the end of an era. The procession, which spanned 25…
- Thailand News
Thai woman seals 10.5 million baht land deal after divine blessing
After sealing a successful land deal worth over 10 million baht, a former nurse fulfilled her vow at Wat Noen Suk in Rayong province by presenting a grand offering to the deity Thao Wessuwan. The former nurse turned property developer, 31 year old Nawal Jarmjurek, and her colleague 28 year old Sawitree Tungsawanich, were observed meticulously arranging red syrup and…
- Thailand News
Temple tails: Abbot’s plea as abandoned pets become a ‘paw-sible’ problem
A recent plea from Phra Maha Charan Siridhammo, the abbot of Wat Phra That Khao Noi, situated in the southern district of Mueang, Nan province, spotlighted a concerning issue. He has urged people to stop the improper action of abandoning their dogs and cats at temples when they find them difficult to care for. Such actions, he explained, are akin…
- Thailand News
2 Polish women apologise for sunbathing in Chiang Mai temple
Chiang Mai Provincial Tourist Police tracked down two Polish women caught sunbathing on Sunday, January 14 at Chiang Man Temple in Chiang Mai province. The two foreigners apologised to locals for their inappropriate act. The Thais who saw the two foreign women sunning themselves on the grass at Chiang Man Temple on Sunday raised concerns via Channel 3, causing the…