The 84-year-old abbot of Dan Khun Thot district's Ban Rai Temple had a low blood-sugar level indicating a bacterial infection.

A thorough diagnosis is expected to take at least three days.

His disciple Natthapol Paprasertsakulchai, 39, said the monk fell ill on late Tuesday night after presenting awards to elderly people at the district hall. Luang Phor Khoon was shaking with cold despite having three blankets, so Natthapol alerted his doctor.

At about 3am yesterday, Luang Phor Khoon was admitted to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. Dr Winitjai Nakphan said the monk was given saline, antibiotics and glucose to prevent him going into shock.

Despite having diabetes and having had coronary-bypass surgery, Luang Phor Khoon has continued to fulfil his monk's duties on a daily basis.

Winitjai said his current illness differed from previous ones. "Luang Phor Khoon never had a low blood-sugar level like this before, so this is worrying," he said.

He said the monk would not be allowed to have visitors and would be under close medical attention until he recovered.

The doctor said he could not say how the monk got the bacterial infection.

The results of blood tests and other checks would give

a clearer indication of his condition in about three days' time.

The Nation

NAKHON RATCHASIMA