Temple fire reveals unexpected items in abbot’s kuti

2026-03-23 - 02:51

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 22 March 2026, A fire broke out at a temple in Sikhiu district, damaging the abbot’s kuti (residence) while he was away on religious duties. No injuries or fatalities were reported. The blaze occurred at a temple in Si Khio subdistrict, Sikhiu district. At the time, the abbot was not inside the kuti as he had left to attend an off-site religious engagement. Monks at the temple noticed the fire and alerted authorities while attempting to contain it with hoses, but the flames spread rapidly. Fire engines from Sikhiu Municipality were called to the scene and brought the fire under control within about 20 minutes. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by a faulty electrical outlet, which led to overheating wires and a short circuit. After the fire was extinguished, officials inspecting the scene found extensive damage to property inside the kuti. They also reported discovering pornographic materials, including explicit books and a sex toy, among the debris. Forensic officers will conduct further examinations to determine the exact cause of the fire. Boxes of flavoured cigarettes and other adult items were scattered throughout the room.