Phra Bundit murder probe hits problems
UDON THANI police were unable to collect spent cartridges and other evidence in relation to the shooting on Sunday of a revered monk at Wat Pa Ban Tor Seesiad because the crime scene was cleared for the victim's funeral.
The late Phra Bundit Subandito’s father also refused to allow police to perform an autopsy on the body, police said. So far, one cartridge was found at the scene and police are looking for another. Two men on a motorcycle ambushed the monk while he was collecting alms at the temple in Muang district on Sunday morning.
Phra Bundit Subandito, 48, was previously a physician and director of two local government hospitals. After entering the monkhood in 1997, he began taking care of elderly and ailing monks at the temple, which is known for its meditation classes and promoting an ascetic lifestyle.
The followers said a makeshift crematorium had been set up and the monk’s cremation was scheduled for 1pm today. They said Phra Bundit had never spoken about getting death threats and rarely complained.
However, news reports said the monk had asked for police protection a month ago because he reportedly received death threats and road spikes had been scattered on the road leading to the temple.
