A monk, an undertaker and a barking dog: Thai temple row ends in hospital

Bangkok, November 1 — A dispute, allegedly ignited by a barking dog, concluded with a Buddhist monk and a temple undertaker both requiring hospitalization following a physical altercation in Nonthaburi, according to Thai news source The Thaiger. Emergency services were dispatched to a temple in Sai Noi district around 7:30 PM on October 29 after receiving reports of a fight between 65-year-old monk Chet and 53-year-old undertaker Somchat.

Both individuals sustained facial and head injuries, which were initially treated by municipal rescue workers before they were transported to the hospital. Chet alleged that the altercation began when Somchat shouted at a barking temple dog and attempted to chase it away. The monk contended that he had only cleared his throat, which caused irritation to the undertaker.

Chet claimed that Somchat, who appeared to be intoxicated, struck him with a wooden stick and hurled stones, resulting in injuries to his ear and head. Somchat offered a contrasting account, stating that the disagreement stemmed from funeral arrangements, as Chet informed him there was insufficient funds. He also maintained that the dog had been barking independently, and that the monk had not instigated the disturbance.

The undertaker, noticeably inebriated, agreed that he frequently consumes alcohol and accused Chet of grabbing his head and striking it against the ground. The temple's abbot corroborated the barking-dog narrative, stating that the monk attempted to quieten the animal, but it continued barking. He alleged that Somchat threw objects during the confrontation, and that police had previously visited the temple that evening to address another argument between the two men.

According to the abbot, the dispute escalated anew, with both men grappling on the ground. The monk allegedly slapped the undertaker, while the undertaker struck the monk with a wooden stick. The abbot added that Somchat, who resides at the temple and frequently engages in drunken arguments, was later detained by the police. Both men received medical attention for their injuries, and there was no further information regarding the dog's perspective on the events.