Degree for “The Engineer Monk” of Lamphun
A young man who became fascinated by temple life as a small boy and became a Buddhist Abbot in his 20’s, has been awarded an Honorary Master of Engineering Degree by Rajabhat Lampang University.
Kruba ‘Noi’ Pairat of Wat Doi Noi (”the little hillside temple”) in Lamphun, just off the main road south from Chiang Mai to Lampang, has achieved unique feats since being installed at the temple 10 years
ago. Within 3 years he had organised the construction of an enormous Buddha figure – all within 24 hours – and started his own radio station.
He then appealed for donations of used cooking oil, from which he made bio-diesel and sold it from a pump just outside the temple grounds. He has initiated machines for planting rice, low-cost air-conditioners and is now producing petrol from waste plastic
He has created such a popular following that older temple members believe he is a reincarnation of Kruba Siwichai. The original “engineer monk” died just before World War II having built many monasteries, temples, and the winding road from Chiang Mai to the top of Doi Suthep.
As an Abbot, now aged 32, Kruba Noi is not allowed to wear the University robes presented to him last month, so members of his temple have bought him a wardrobe so they may be kept smartly!
Copyright: Derrick Titmus
Photo Copyright: Angsiyanan Oumpin
