huket – A revered Buddhist temple became the scene of an unthinkable crime Saturday morning when a 47-year-old monk allegedly shot and killed a younger colleague inside Wat Khao Rang, one of Phuket’s most prominent hilltop temples.

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The violence erupted around 5:40 a.m. in the temple’s bathroom, where the 36-year-old victim was found lifeless on the black marble floor with four gunshot wounds to his neck, chest, and right arm. Investigators recovered four .38 caliber shell casings and a bullet at the scene.

Authorities were alerted by staff from nearby Vachira Phuket Hospital, who reported hearing gunfire. Police swiftly detained the alleged shooter, who remained on the temple grounds after the killing. A search of his living quarters uncovered a black Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver, 14 additional bullets, and a holster.

Phuket Monk's Bathroom Shooting Over Loud Phone Ends in Arrest

Phuket monk Phra Jaruek, 47, fatally shot fellow monk Phra Niwat, 36, in temple bathroom over loud phone use and alleged bullying, leading to arrest and defrocking.https://t.co/FGOszt4ibC

— WeirdFeed (@WeirdFeedNews) June 29, 2025

The suspect, immediately defrocked, claimed during initial questioning that years of bullying and harassment by the victim drove him to violence. According to his account, tensions reached a breaking point when the victim entered the bathroom playing loud music on his phone. The accused monk allegedly followed with the loaded revolver, opened the unlocked door, and fired multiple shots before reloading and hiding the weapon.

Wat Khao Rang, famed for its golden Buddha statue and tranquil atmosphere, now grapples with the aftermath of the bloodshed. The temple’s abbot and senior monks are cooperating with police as the investigation continues.

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The accused remains in custody at Phuket City Police Station as authorities prepare formal charges.

-Thailand News (TN)