Culture
Investigation Launched After Novice Monk Abandoned in Remote Area
A novice monk was reportedly abandoned in a cemetery by his abbot as a form of punishment, forcing him to walk 56 kilometers back to his temple.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand, a young novice monk from Laos was discovered by local residents after being left in a cemetery in Khamcha-i District, Mukdahan Province. The novice, who resided at a temple in Kuchinarai District, Kalasin Province, stated that his abbot had abandoned him there as a disciplinary measure, instructing him to walk the 56-kilometer distance back to the temple. This incident reportedly marks the third time the novice has been subjected to this specific form of punishment.
Local villagers encountered the novice and transported him to Wat Pa Ban Song in Mukdahan on the evening of August 31, 2026, where he was placed under the care of the local abbot. The incident has sparked public concern regarding the safety and welfare of young monks under the supervision of senior clergy.
For residents and travelers, this case highlights ongoing discussions regarding monastic discipline and the oversight of religious institutions in rural Thailand. While the account provided by the novice and the social media post by 'Anyakru Ba On Noi' have brought the matter to public attention, official investigations by ecclesiastical authorities or local law enforcement regarding the specific actions of the abbot in Kalasin remain to be confirmed. The situation serves as a reminder of the cultural sensitivity surrounding monastic life and the expectations for the protection of minors within these institutions.