Family alleges monk killed at Huay Yai temple

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Phra Vee speaks to reporters about the suspicious circumstance surrounding his brother’s death.
Phra Vee speaks to reporters about the suspicious circumstance surrounding his brother’s death.

The son of a Huay Yai monk claims his father was murdered.

Chotechontit Dontree, 33, and his uncle, a monk named Phra Vee, told reporters May 1 that they believe monk Than­phisit Dontree, 57, was killed in his cubicle dwelling at Tung­kha Temple early April 29.

Huay Yai police chief Pol. Col. Anan Phurahong said authorities initially ruled that the 57-year-old monk died of breathing problems or suffocation, but said the case was still under investigation due to evidence brought up by his relatives.

Chotechontit said bruises were apparent on his father’s neck and his fingers and toes were curled up, which is consistent with strangulation.

Phra Vee said he saw a young man enter his brother’s cubicle room around 5 a.m. April 29, but thought nothing of it since he saw Thanphisit was already awake.

However, Thanphisit didn’t join his brothers in collecting alms that morning and, when the group returned, Vee checked on his brother and found him dead in his room.