Two Elderly Monks Care for Over 60 Abandoned Animals in Sukhothai
Two monks at Wat Don Khae in Sukhothai are dedicating their personal funds and elderly allowances to support 60 rescued animals, including horses, dogs, and cats.
At Wat Don Khae in the Krai Nok sub-district of Sukhothai province, two elderly monks—Abbot Phra Khru Sophit Thammaprasat and Luang Ta Lop—have taken on the responsibility of caring for over 60 abandoned animals. According to a report by Khaosod Online, the group includes eight horses, four piglets, 19 dogs, and over 30 cats.
For the past 20 years, the monks have used their personal savings, the abbot’s monthly stipend, and their 600-baht monthly elderly welfare allowances to provide food and care for these animals. The monks explain that the food received during their daily alms rounds is insufficient to sustain the large number of creatures, necessitating the use of their own funds to purchase hay for the horses and rice and fish for the other animals.
For residents and visitors, this story highlights the compassionate role some local temples play in animal welfare within rural Thai communities. While the monks continue their dedicated work, the long-term sustainability of this informal sanctuary remains a challenge. Those interested in the welfare of these animals should note that the temple relies heavily on the monks' personal resources, and there is no official confirmation regarding external support or long-term management plans for the sanctuary.
