A Buddhist monastery in Thailand has drawn national attention and police scrutiny after more than 40 human bodies were uncovered on its premises in Phichit province, sparking debates about ethics and religious practices.
The discovery of 41 bodies on Saturday, accompanied by certificates of death and donation, has raised eyebrows as authorities investigate the origins and purpose of the remains. The monastery’s leader, Phra Ajarn Saifon Phandito, claims the use of human corpses is part of a unique meditation method he pioneered, designed to deepen spiritual insight.
“This is a technique many monks have learned to understand the impermanence of life,” Phra Saifon said in a local TV interview, suggesting that the coffins containing the remains served as tools to help practitioners confront mortality.
Authorities, however, are more concerned with the legalities of the practice. Police are contacting families of the deceased to verify whether the bodies were lawfully donated and are investigating potential links to similar findings at another monastery in Kamphaeng Phet province earlier in the week, where 12 corpses were found.
“We need to ensure the remains were donated with proper consent,” a senior officer stated. “The possibility of stolen bodies cannot be ruled out at this stage.”
The discoveries have ignited public discourse in Thailand about the intersection of religious freedom and legal oversight, as well as the limits of unconventional spiritual practices. For now, the investigation continues, with authorities exploring how widespread this unusual ritual may be.
