Abbot Swept to Death in Drainage Pipe After Heavy Rain
A 67-year-old abbot in Saraburi province died after being swept into a drainage pipe while clearing debris from a canal flooded by heavy rain on September 20. Rescue workers retrieved Phra Chaiyaporn's body from the water outlet, but resusc
A tragedy unfolded in Saraburi province on the evening of September 20 when rescue workers from Saraburi Rescue Foundation were called to Luang Pu Samriddhi Phol Bodhi Meditation Centre in Wang Nam Yen subdistrict after reports that a monk had been pulled into a drainage pipe and died. By the time rescuers retrieved his body from the water, it was too late. CPR was attempted but proved unsuccessful. The deceased was identified as Phra Chaiyaporn, 67, the centre's abbot.
According to fellow monks, the afternoon had brought hours of heavy rainfall that caused large volumes of water to surge down the canal beside the monastery. After the rain subsided, Phra Chaiyaporn noticed grass and debris blocking the waterway and went down to clear it so water could flow freely. However, the current remained strong. He is believed to have lost his footing and been sucked into the drainage pipe, which is about 1 meter in diameter, before the current swept his body to the other side.
Local residents spotted monastic robes near the outlet of the pipe and, suspicious, called other monks to investigate. They discovered Phra Chaiyaporn's body. Residents described him as a diligent abbot who personally maintained the monastery grounds and facilities. After a medical examination, his body was transferred to Wang Nam Fon Temple in Saraburi province for religious rites.
