Nong Hong: A troubling case has emerged involving a man’s death, which doctors attribute to severe malnutrition after being forced to adhere to a strict vegetarian diet imposed by his wife. The woman, described as “cult-crazed,” had vowed to follow a vegetarian lifestyle and required her husband to do the same until his passing. Medical professionals believe he suffered from an underlying medical condition that was exacerbated by his diet.
According to Thai News Agency, the story gained attention after a photo of the woman’s impoverished living conditions was shared online, sparking criticism of local authorities. The 59-year-old woman resided in a small hut without basic amenities, such as a bedroom or bathroom. Despite her poverty, she expressed that her primary need was transportation to a temple, rather than food.
Mrs. Chom Sri, the local village headman, explained that the woman worked as a sugarcane cutter and received monthly financial support from her children, amounting to 3,000 baht. Her sister, Ms. Muan, revealed that a decade ago, the woman committed to a vegetarian lifestyle and frequently donated money to a religious center in Lam Plai Mat District. Despite her husband’s reluctance, he was compelled to follow the same diet.
Ms. Muan further disclosed that her brother-in-law suffered from tuberculosis. While in the hospital, she secretly provided him with meat, believing the vegetarian diet was insufficient for his condition. His death two years ago was attributed to tuberculosis, but the hospital director noted his refusal to accept protein-rich foods, which led to severe malnutrition.
The religious centers associated with the woman’s beliefs have branches in Nong Hong and Lam Plai Mat Districts. They promote a lifestyle of abandoning desires and meditating to achieve material gains.
Dr. Moo, an Associate Professor at Srinakharinwirot University, clarified that a vegetarian diet is not inherently fatal if it includes all necessary nutrients. However, he noted that in this case, the unbalanced diet likely contributed to the husband’s malnutrition and subsequent death due to his chronic illness.