Luangpor Koon to return to his temple

Luangpor Koon Paritsutho, 89, has been discharged from hospital and will return to Wat Banrai in Nakhon Ratchasima's on Monday.

However, owing to his weak condition, doctors have said that people should stay at least two metres away from the patient. Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital director Dr Theerapol Topanthanont said the revered monk could bless people from a distance instead of patting them on the head.

The monk, who has been undergoing treatment since last May for tuberculosis and other complications, is much healthier and weighs about 40.8kg. The monk's residence has been disinfected and equipped with medical appliances, he said, adding that his disciples were also being taught how to take care of the monk.

Hospital staff will train 14 local doctors and nurses, as well as 30 male caretakers, on providing roundtheclock care of the patient.

Luangpor, meanwhile, told reporters Thursday that he was fine as he blessed Thailand a prosperous 2012 in Pali.

The Nation