The 83-year-old monk, who suffers from diabetes, was found collapsed at his residence in Dan Khun Thot district's Wat Ban Rai at 2am and rushed to a local hospital where he was put on a glucose drip. He was transferred to Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital at 8am.

Luang Phor Khoon's condition may have resulted from a cold and fever that he was reportedly suffering from during his trip to Malaysia last week, possibly compounded by his diabetes, said Dr Pinitjai Nakphan. The monk's blood-sugar levels were the lowest they have been recorded at, so doctors carried out tests to rule out infections or other complications.

Prior to the monk's trip to Malaysia, doctors found that Luang Phor Khoon was suffering from an irregular heartbeat, putting him at risk of a stroke and paralysis. The doctor said he said would be kept at the hospital for at least three days, and advised against the monk receiving any visitors, including close devotees.

Later in the day, Pinitjai told reporters that Luang Phor Khoon's condition had improved and his blood-sugar levels were at an acceptable level, but he added that as doctors were still concerned about his health, all visitors were still strictly prohibited.

The Nation

NAKHON RATCHASIMA