Novice monk found hanged in Ayutthaya temple
BANGKOK — A novice monk was found hanged behind the crematorium of a temple in Ayutthaya’s Bang Pahan district on Monday morning in what believed to be a suicide.
Police said a monk found the body of Thalerngsak Butrkrai, 19, hanged from a tree at Wat Theptharam.
Phra Sarawaut told police he could not see the novice on his return from collecting alms, so went to look for him and found the body.
Police found no sign of a physical altercation and no injuries to the body.
The monk said Thalerngsak had ordained as a novice just two months ago.
He appeared sad after visiting his family in Chaiyaphum during the New Year holiday and often complained that his family didn’t come to visit him.
The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public, especially those who may have mental health issues, that they can contact the DOH’s 24/7 Hopeline to either help them unburden their emotional baggage or to seek professional help. Hopeline can be reached via hotlines 804-HOPE (4673); 0917-558-HOPE (4673); or 2919 (toll-free number for Globe and TM subscribers).
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Their crisis hotlines are available at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-USAP (8727), 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672. For more information, visit their website: (https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline)
Alternatively, you can contact Hopeline PH at the following numbers: 0917-5584673, 0918-8734673, 88044673. Additional resources are available at ngf-mindstrong.org, or connect with them on Facebook at Hopeline PH.
