Recently, the Bangkok Post reported a chilling story that sent shockwaves through the public:
A Buddhist temple in Thailand’s Kamphaeng Phet province was discovered to be hiding at least 73 corpses. These bodies were allegedly used to “train” monks in meditation practice. What’s even more unsettling is that the temple also had a crocodile pool with over 600 crocodiles…
The Initial Discovery
The saga began five days ago when the police in Kamphaeng Phet received a tip-off about a temple that was possibly conducting “spiritual séances” or engaging in suspicious practices. Upon arriving at the scene, officers were stunned to find 12 bodies within the temple’s premises. 
At first, this raised many eyebrows. But after further investigation, the police discovered that these bodies were actually those of monks who had passed away. This led to the conclusion that it was a misunderstanding.
Expanding the Investigation
The story didn’t end there, though. As a result of the public uproar, police across Thailand began investigating other temples and meditation centers. To their horror, they uncovered something even more terrifying.
The discovery took place in the northern province of Phetchabun, in Pho Thale District, Ban Noi. On November 22, authorities raided a well-known temple, Thiphaksong Pa Sangnayatham, located deep in a tranquil forest.
A Terrifying Revelation
This temple, which translates roughly to “The Forest of Sacred Monks’ Dharma,” was believed to be a peaceful retreat for monks and their followers to meditate and practice spirituality. Yet, during their investigation, police unearthed 41 unidentified bodies within the temple.
The temple, spanning over 16,000 square meters, was described as a serene sanctuary. The vast meditation areas and four restaurants catered to visiting practitioners and tourists. What’s even more disturbing, however, was the discovery of several bamboo meditation pavilions.
In each of these pavilions, police found 4-5 coffins, each containing a corpse.
These eerie pavilions were located less than 500 meters from where monks typically performed their rituals and prayers. In addition to the corpses, the police also discovered a massive crocodile pool inside the temple grounds, surrounded by a high fence. Visitors and practitioners were kept at a distance from the pool, which was reportedly used as a wish pool, housing 600 crocodiles.
A Disturbing Explanation
As police delved deeper into the mystery, the temple’s head monk offered an explanation for the presence of the corpses. He claimed that all of the bodies had been donated by followers. Each body reportedly had proper death certificates and legal documents.
According to the monk, these remains were part of a practice he had personally innovated to help monks overcome their fear of death. He explained that by meditating in close proximity to corpses, monks could learn to confront the impermanence of life and death, thereby deepening their spiritual practice. The monk’s belief was that such meditation practices could both strengthen courage and enhance spiritual insight.
However, when questioned, the monk was uncertain whether this practice had been widely adopted.
A Further Investigation
The police were shocked by the monk’s explanation and immediately began to look into the broader implications of this practice. They turned their attention to another temple connected to the first: Wat Pa Sivilai, where the head monk had previously served.
Upon raiding this second temple, police found 32 more corpses. The head monk of this second temple admitted that most of the bodies were those of deceased followers, and their families had agreed to let the monks perform rites and burial ceremonies. It was clear that these two temples were connected and were both using corpses in meditation practices.
The Ethical Dilemma
As the investigation unfolded, police suspended operations at both temples and began to thoroughly check the death certificates and legal documentation of the bodies. They also planned to verify whether the donations were voluntary and whether any coercion or fraud was involved.
What made this case even more complex was the involvement of the National Office of Buddhism in Thailand. A representative from the Phetchabun Office of Buddhism admitted that, several years ago, he had visited the temple and witnessed the “corpse meditation” practice. At that time, he did not find anything particularly unusual, though he had not been informed of the extent of the practice.
The official acknowledged that if the body donations were indeed voluntary and legal, the practice might not be illegal. However, the core question remained: Was this practice in alignment with Buddhist principles?
Buddhist Teachings on Death
In Buddhism, contemplating death is often considered an important aspect of spiritual growth. Many Buddhist practitioners meditate on the impermanence of life, using death as a tool to transcend fear and attachment. But using human remains for meditation raises profound ethical concerns.
If the bodies were not donated freely, or if any deceit or coercion occurred, then this practice could indeed violate Buddhist ethics, which emphasize compassion, respect for life, and the dignity of each individual’s choice. The Buddhist teachings on death are meant to help practitioners confront mortality in a compassionate and respectful way—not as a form of exploitation or spectacle.
Conclusion: A Morally Complex Situation
As the investigation continues, the moral implications of using human remains in this way remain a deeply troubling issue. Buddhism emphasizes the sacredness of life and the importance of making choices in line with ethical principles. If these practices were indeed carried out with the full consent of the individuals and their families, they may not be illegal. But they still raise serious questions about respect for the dead and whether such practices are truly in harmony with the teachings of Buddhism.
In the end, this disturbing story serves as a reminder of the complexity of religious traditions and the potential for misguided practices to be hidden under the guise of spiritual development.
