Police stumped by mystery temple death

City police are scouring social media for clues to the death of a recent university graduate at Wat Sa Ket in Bangkok.

Narawut Phuangkaset, 26, was found crying out in pain in a pool of blood on the steps of the Golden Mount temple early on Aug 21. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

His mother, Ampai Janhorm, 54, told the media her her son died under mysterious circumstances and a police investigation has made no headway.

She said forensic test results suggest Narawut had been attacked.

Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Sanit Mahathavorn said he met the head of Samran Rat police handling the case to discuss the investigation. They later inspected the spot at the temple where Narawut was found.

Pol Lt Gen Sanit said the investigation was ongoing as police need more evidence. Investigators are sifting through details of the victim’s life on social medial.

Friends and witnesses, including monks and nuns, have also been interviewed. Narawut has been described as a private person.

Pol Lt Gen Sanit said surveillance camera footage showed the man walking in a meditative state in an open yard where a row of temple bells line the walkway.

Later, around 3am, he went up the stairs and was seen flapping his arms like a bird. Police collected blood stains on the nearby bells.

Golden Mount caretaker Awarudee Pongprasan said she heard a man scream, followed by the sound of a bell ringing. She alerted police, who found Narawut on the steps.

Pol Lt Gen Sanit said a forensic exam revealed Narawut had suffered a fractured skull and severe brain injuries.

Ms Ampai said her son graduated with honours in business management from Bangkok University a few months ago. After graduation, he helped manage the family’s restaurant business.