Kalasin: Social media is abuzz with reports of an altercation between monks from two different temples in Kalasin Province. The incident involved a monk from a village temple allegedly attacking a monk from a forest temple, claiming he was provoked into a fight. The altercation reportedly stemmed from accusations that the village monk had neglected his almsgiving duties, prompting intervention from relatives and devotees to defuse the situation.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident was highlighted by a social media clip and message posted by Page Ms. Moi v+, which stated, “The Buddhist Office is in trouble. Monks from 2 temples have robes flying. Neither side will give in. They are fighting and forgetting the yellow robes.” The confrontation took place on the morning of January 18th at a temple in Kalasin Province, where the monks were gathered to offer breakfast.
The dispute originated when Phra Ajahn Daeng, the abbot of the village temple, was criticized for not participating in alms rounds. Complaints from villagers led the Kalasin Provincial Office of Buddhism to order his resignation as abbot, demoting him to the role of a temple boy. On the day of the incident, Phra Daeng reportedly drove to a nearby temple in Ban Kut Ta and physically confronted a junior monk. The conflict is believed to have been fueled by gossip among the monks.
In response to the altercation, an order was issued to expel Phra Daeng from the temple. It remains unclear whether he will disrobe or continue as a monk elsewhere. The secretary of the Kalasin Provincial Sangha Chief confirmed that Phra Daeng would be removed from all positions. Villagers reported that the conflict arose from accusations that Phra Daeng’s temple boy had taken food from the Indian monk’s alms bowl, leading to tensions between the two parties.
Mr. Siamphat Thipson, Director of the Office of Buddhism in Kalasin Province, emphasized the importance of monks’ duties, which include collecting alms and adhering to monastic codes. He stated that resolving such disputes falls under the jurisdiction of the sub-district abbot.