Monk camps at Nong Phrajak, claims no temple, waits for lottery results.

Khaosod•Society•232d ago

Reader Briefing

A monk camping in a public park in Udon Thani, claiming rejection from temples and hoping to win the lottery, was asked to leave by police.

•A monk, named Phra Somboon, was found camping in Nong Phrajak public park in Udon Thani.
•Phra Somboon claimed he had no place to stay after being denied by local temples and was waiting for lottery results.
•Police informed the monk about park closing times and assisted him in returning to his temple.
•The incident occurred on January 31, 2026.

Overview

•On Jan 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM, officers from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station received a report of a man dressed as a monk camping at Nong Phrajak Park.
•Phra Somboon, aged 63, stated he recently returned from That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom province and was unable to find accommodation at a local temple in Udon Thani.
•Phra Somboon camped at the park in order to wait for lottery numbers, having narrowly missed winning in the previous draw.
•Police, along with representatives from the Udon Thani Buddhist Office and a local temple, inspected the location and found Phra Somboon with camping gear.
•Phra Somboon claimed he was unaware that camping was prohibited in the park, resulting in his relocation.
•Police advised Phra Somboon on the park's operating hours (4:00 AM to 8:00 PM) for public safety and to prevent homelessness.
•Phra Somboon agreed to pack his belongings and was assisted by police to catch a bus back to his temple in Na Yung District, Udon Thani.
•The park's regulations regarding closing times and public use were reiterated to Phra Somboon, ensuring adherence to park rules for all visitors.

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Key Quotes

พระสมบุญ

"Just returned from That Phanom, arrived in Udon Thani late. Asked to stay at a temple, but monks didn't allow it, so camped at Nong Phrajak park. Will return tomorrow, today I'm waiting to win the lottery."

เพิ่งเดินทางกลับมาจากพระธาตุพนม มาถึง อุดรฯ มืดค่ำแล้ว ไปขอจำวัดแล้วพระไม่อนุญาต เลยมากางเต็นท์นอนที่กลางสวนสาธารณะหนองประจักษ์ จะกลับวัดพรุ่งนี้ วันนี้นอนรอลุ้นหวย

พระสมบุญ

"I didn't know this was a place where camping is prohibited."

ไม่รู้ว่าเป็นสถานที่ห้ามกางเต็นท์พักอาศัย

Key Entities

Person

Phra Somboon(พระสมบุญ)

A 63-year-old monk who set up a tent in Nong Phrajak public park in Udon Thani, claiming no temple would allow him to stay and that he was waiting to win the lottery.

Place

Nong Phrajak(หนองประจักษ์)

A public park in Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani, which serves as a recreational area with specific operating hours and rules against overnight camping.

Phra That Phanom(พระธาตุพนม)ℹ️

A significant Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nakhon Phanom province, from which Phra Somboon claimed to have recently returned before arriving in Udon Thani.

Bus Terminal(บขส.)

The bus terminal in Udon Thani where Phra Somboon was to be taken by police to commence his journey back to his temple.

Organization

Mueang Udon Thani Police Station(สภ.เมืองอุดรธานี)

The police station responsible for the area where Phra Somboon was found camping, which responded to the report and provided assistance.

Udon Thani Provincial Buddhist Office(สำนักพุทธศาสนา จ.อุดรธานี)

An office that was involved in the verification of the monk's identity and circumstances at Nong Phrajak public park.

Thong Khai Nimit Monastery(สำนักสงฆ์ทองคายนิมิต)

A monastery in Mueang Udon Thani District, from which a monk accompanied police to Nong Phrajak public park.