Phetchabun: Four buffaloes made a daring escape from a local slaughterhouse, swimming across a canal to seek refuge at Wat Sri Mongkol, a temple in Ban Hin Kling, Lom Kao District. Upon learning of their plight, temple disciples rallied to raise the funds necessary to save the animals from being returned to the slaughterhouse.
According to Thai News Agency, a Facebook page named "Wat Sri Mongkol Ban Hin Kling" shared a video detailing the buffaloes' escape and subsequent sanctuary at the temple. The post included a call for donations, urging people to contribute towards the 110,000 baht needed to secure the buffaloes' safety. The video captured the dramatic scene as the buffaloes swam across the canal, appearing to instinctively head towards the temple as a safe haven.
At the temple, the abbot, Phra Khru Wichian Woratham, recounted how the buffaloes entered the temple grounds and stopped at his living quarters, seemingly seeking assistance. When the slaughterhouse staff arrived, the buffaloes scattered in fear, prompting the abbot to intervene by offering to purchase them. The temple's followers responded generously, allowing the abbot to successfully raise the necessary funds to complete the purchase and ensure the buffaloes' safety.
This marks the second instance of buffaloes fleeing to the temple for refuge. Earlier this year, two buffaloes similarly escaped and found sanctuary at the temple, where funds were again raised to secure their freedom.
Phra Khru Wichian Woratham noted a curious behavior among the buffaloes-they would become visibly agitated and run when approached by slaughterhouse staff, yet remained calm and approachable when in the presence of monks, novices, or local villagers. The buffaloes, now considered part of the temple community, have been affectionately named Mang, Mee, Sri, and Suk.