Lightning Strike Damages Crematorium at Samut Sakhon Temple
A lightning strike at Wat Prasat Samakkhi Tham in Samut Sakhon has caused significant structural damage to the temple's crematorium and surrounding buildings.
On October 11, 2026, at approximately 5:32 AM, a lightning strike hit the crematorium at Wat Prasat Samakkhi Tham (Wat Khlong Sue) in the Bang Tho Rat sub-district of Samut Sakhon province. According to Khaosod Online, the strike caused the top of the crematorium to collapse, scattering debris across the temple grounds.
The impact also damaged the roofs of the funeral prayer hall, the kitchen, and a monk's living quarters. The prayer hall experienced ceiling collapses and a temporary power outage, while the kitchen roof sustained holes from falling debris. Despite the severity of the damage, the temple's charcoal-based cremation furnace remained intact and is expected to remain operational.
For residents and visitors, this event highlights the vulnerability of local religious structures to extreme weather. While the temple remains accessible, visitors should exercise caution near the damaged areas due to potential falling debris. The temple authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the repairs needed, as the crematorium had only undergone renovations two years prior. It remains to be confirmed how long the restoration process will take and whether the temple will require public assistance to fund the necessary repairs to the prayer hall and surrounding facilities.
