NAKHON SAWAN, Thailand — A Buddhist monk who has spent 36 years in the monkhood has admitted slapping a 13-year-old Grade 7 student during a school alms-giving ceremony on National Mother’s Day, after the boy accidentally threw a packet of instant noodles into his alms bowl.
The incident occurred on August 12 during a morning alms-giving ceremony at a school in Pho Prasat subdistrict, Phaisali district, Nakhon Sawan, where monks from a nearby temple had been invited to receive offerings.
The boy, identified as Weeraphat, said he was holding a packet of instant noodles and tried to place it in the abbot’s bowl but could not reach because another student was standing in front of him.
He said he therefore threw the packet into the bowl, prompting the abbot to ask his name before allegedly striking him hard on the right cheek. The abbot then reportedly called the boy forward and reprimanded him in front of other students at the school event, leaving him humiliated.
The boy’s mother, Supannee, said her son suffered facial injuries and emotional distress following the incident. The family said he was afraid to face his classmates and wanted to leave the school.
The student reportedly complained of severe pain around his mouth and jaw, with the pain extending toward his ear.
The family has since taken the matter to police and is seeking action over the alleged assault.
The abbot, who has been ordained for 36 Buddhist Lent periods, acknowledged hitting the boy and reportedly remarked that it might be time for him to leave the monkhood. The case has drawn attention because the incident occurred during a school religious ceremony intended to mark National Mother’s Day.
