Monks in serious condition after bee attack

More than 70 Thai novice monks have been admitted to three hospitals after they were stung by bees at Chedi Luang Worawiharn in Chiang Mai's Muang district. Large swarms of bees from several hives attacked the novice monks who were sweeping the grounds of the temple. Phra Ratcha Jetiyajarn, the temple abbot, said 76 novice monks were stung and rushed to three hospitals in central Chiang Mai.

Fifty three monks were admitted to Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. Nineteen of them were in serious condition, said hospital director Dr Naren Chotirosnimitr. Another 23 monks were treated at the Chang Phuek Hospital and Rhuampath Chiangmai Hospital. Dr Naren said of those in serious condition, six arrived at the hospital in a coma. Their blood pressure had dropped dangerously low.



The director said 34 monks treated for minor injuries at Maharaj hospital were later discharged. The doctors will visit them at the temple to follow up on their condition. Dr Naren said bee attacks could be fatal if patients sustain multiple stings and are allergic to them.

Patients typically experience nausea and difficulty breathing and develop a rash. In serious cases, their blood pressure drops sharply. Phra Ratcha Jetiyajarn said he had no idea what provoked the bees to attack. The monks were carrying out their routine clean-up of the temple ground and had had no problem with the bees before. Despite the attack, the temple will keep the bee hives and will warn outsiders and tourists visiting the temple to stay well away from them, he said.