A disturbing incident occurred in Udon Thani province, Thailand, when a 42-year-old Buddhist monk named Damrongsak startled residents by suddenly removing his robes and walking naked in the streets. Damrongsak, originally from Ban Pho Chon Temple in Phetchabun province, was found near a local community school, having discarded his clothes on May 21. According to Sanook’s report, authorities confirmed his identity as a monk through valid identification.
Witnesses were immediately concerned by Damrongsak’s behavior as he crossed the street to a food stall owned by a 42-year-old woman named Suphaporn and her 43-year-old brother, Chaiya Lasonti. To the astonishment of onlookers who had never encountered such a situation, Damrongsak got into a bronze Nissan pick-up truck registered as KhS 5258 Chonburi, belonging to Chaiya. In an effort to manage the situation, Suphaporn and Chaiya provided water to Damrongsak and encouraged him to put his clothes back on, cleaning him up before authorities arrived.
During questioning, Damrongsak revealed that he had left his temple to search for family members in neighboring districts. His erratic behavior led authorities to suspect that he may be suffering from psychiatric issues, exacerbated by a lack of medication, resulting in temporary instability. Consequently, he was taken to Udon Thani Centre Hospital to receive the necessary treatment to calm his emotional state.
Suphaporn and Chaiya expressed their shock and concern about the situation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the monk’s appropriate attire and preventing distress for his relatives or acquaintances. Another witness, Pairat Saebthong, a 48-year-old local vendor, recounted the unsettling events when Damrongsak exhibited signs of mental instability and abruptly removed his robes in front of the school. While witnesses like Pairat were frightened, it was apparent that Damrongsak was not under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances, suggesting that his actions were likely the result of a neurological issue.
Source: – The Thaiger)
