Divine intervention: Buddha statue transport turns fatal, spirits stir unrest

A Thai man was killed and another injured when a Buddha statue they were transporting from Baan None Kate Temple in the northeastern province of Si Saket toppled over them. Residents believe the fatal accident occurred because the Buddha spirits did not want the statue to be moved.

Baan None Kate Temple was preparing to hold a royal cremation ceremony for a respected monk named Kliang Teachadhammo so, the temple hired workers and encouraged locals in the area to help clean the area in preparation for the ceremony.

Two locals, Saranyou Kanyamai and Adisak Chartsai, yesterday were helping monks move the 200 kilogrammes Buddha statue when the statue topped over them while they tried to put it on a six-wheel truck.

Witnesses rushed to rescue the two victims from beneath the weighty statue but Saranyu was pronounced dead at the scene while Adisak sustained severe…