Buddhist monk, 56, stabbed to death as police hunt 'disgruntled apprentice'

A Buddhist monk was stabbed to death inside a Thai temple as police hunt a former apprentice linked to the killing.

Assistant abbot Phra Khru Samunan Theerapanyo, 56, was alone in his private quarters when disgruntled apprentice Manoch Kitthikhun, 45, allegedly stormed in to confront him.

Manoch had reportedly been expelled from the monkhood last year over suspected drug use before returning to Wat Chak temple in Songkhla allegedly seeking revenge.

Samunan was slashed on the chin while trying to fend off the alleged attacker before slipping on the floor.

The suspect is said to have stabbed him three times in the chest before fleeing.

Other monks discovered Samunan's body when they tried to call him for morning prayers at the Wat Chak temple on June 5.

Police discovered him lying on the floor still wearing his saffron robes, with a broken electric fan on top of his corpse.

Investigators believe he had been dead for at least five to six hours before his body was discovered.

The monk's death has reportedly shocked residents, who described the assistant abbot as a 'quiet and withdrawn' monk with no known enemies.

Officials said CCTV footage allegedly showed Manoch leaving the temple on a motorcycle. They added that he was previously ordained at the temple and had detailed knowledge of its layout, entrances and possible escape routes.

A temple monk, Phra Somjai Kovito, said Manoch 'behaved strangely' during his time at the temple.

He said: 'As far as I can remember, his name was Phra Khao. He ordained in 2025 but left the monkhood later that same year. His behaviour was quite unusual, and he appeared to be struggling with drug addiction.

'I first became aware of his drug problems when he was still preparing for ordination, as I was one of his instructors. He had previously kicked and damaged a door, and there were several incidents at night where he behaved suspiciously, shouting and causing disturbances.'

The Songkhla Provincial Court on June 7 issued an arrest warrant for Manoch on charges of intentional murder.

Police Major General Theerasak Chaiyotha, provincial police chief, said police were tracking down Manoch's whereabouts.

He said: 'Our initial investigation found no evidence of conflict within the temple. The monk was known to be quiet and had no known disputes with anyone.

'Only three monks live at the temple, and nothing was stolen from the scene, so we believe the killing may have stemmed from a personal matter.

'We are continuing to investigate the motive and are reviewing CCTV footage to determine whether the suspect lives nearby or came elsewhere.'

Officials said Manoch also had multiple outstanding arrest warrants for narcotics and firearm-related offences.