Thai Monastery Investigated for Storing Corpses

An investigation is underway in Thailand regarding the discovery of 85 corpses at two Buddhist temples, where they were allegedly used in meditation practices aimed at developing mindfulness among children. The first raid occurred at a temple in Kamphaeng Phet province, uncovering 12 bodies, while a subsequent raid in Phichit province revealed 41 more bodies at the Pa Nakhon Chaibovorn monastery. The head of the monastery, Phra Ajarn Saifon Phandito, claims the bodies were donated for this unique meditation technique, but authorities are scrutinizing the legitimacy of these donations. Investigators are reaching out to relatives to confirm consent and determine if any laws were violated regarding the treatment of remains. The practice of corpse meditation, believed to heighten awareness of mortality, is controversial and not widely practiced outside Thailand. Local officials have temporarily closed both locations pending further investigation.