Sunday, the Governor of Udon defended the medical team who explained the death of the late Abbot, Phra Ajarn Sudjai Thanthamano. A medical team who performed the autopsy concluded that the abbot’s death was from a lack of oxygen due to smoke inhalation.
Earlier some questions were raised as to how quickly they cremated the abbot’s body before collecting all the evidence needed to determine the actual cause of death. According to the law, anyone dying of an unnatural death must have an autopsy and a proper investigation of the surroundings before the cremation or burial.
Suthham Suthammo, Acting Abbot of Wat Pa Ban Tat, said the cremation was standard of Phra Pa. He explained that when there is a body they will not keep it for long and will start the cremation ceremony quickly. Also, due to the COVID-19 disease, they maintained strict social distance guidelines in addition to agreeing to quickly cremate the abbot in order to decrease the chances of spreading of the virus.
A doctor did examine the abbot’s Face, neck, arms, hands, and legs which were burned. There were no bone fracture injuries or any signs of assault. Also, his organs in the trachea, throat, and lungs were partially black. In the stomach, there were no signs of residue. The doctor concluded that he died due to a lack of air.
As for the examination of the surroundings, Investigators mentioned that the air conditioner in the abbot’s room was broken. A witness said, the Abbot once complained the fan had a burning smell when he turned it on. As for the fan, it will be examined thoroughly in the laboratory again. At this time, it is not possible to summarize the complete cause of death. They will wait for further test results.
Mr. Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Provincial Governor of Udon Thani, concluded that fires happen a lot during this time of year and are more likely to happen during the dry season with high temperatures. With old damaged electrical wires, which every province will have, it’s a sure way to start a fire. He warned everyone to be extra careful especially to those in older buildings, such as the cloister school.
He then added we need to Inspect old electrical cables in various buildings and to upgrade every 10 years to prevent fires.
