RATCHABURI — A 34-year-old monk in Ratchaburi weighing 260 kilograms has appealed for medical assistance, fearing he could become bedridden in the future if his condition continues to worsen.
Health officials, village health volunteers and local leaders recently visited a temple in Ban Pong district to assess the monk’s condition. At 260 kilograms, he becomes exhausted after walking only short distances and is already suffering from obesity-related complications, including high blood pressure and the loss of vision in one eye.
Medical staff found that the monk has high blood pressure, although his blood sugar level remains within the normal range.
The monk said he has been ordained for 14 years and has completed the second level of Buddhist studies examinations. His weight problems began when he was about 15 years old and weighed more than 100 kilograms. Since then, his weight has increased steadily by around 5 to 10 kilograms each year.
The condition has led to a range of serious health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, glaucoma and an elevated risk of diabetes. He has also lost vision in his left eye, making it difficult to carry out normal monastic duties.
The monk said he was treated at Ban Pong Hospital about two years ago after suffering severe eye pain for more than two months. During his stay, a controlled diet helped him lose around 20 kilograms. However, after returning to the temple, his weight quickly increased again because he had little control over the food offered by devotees and regularly consumed sweet drinks and soft drinks.
He admitted he is increasingly concerned about his long-term health, particularly the possibility of becoming bedridden or requiring major surgery, which could place a burden on fellow monks caring for him.
The monk said he hopes to undergo bariatric surgery to reduce the size of his stomach and improve his health in the long term.
Busamalee Muangchim, acting director of the Kung Phayom Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, said officials have monitored the monk’s condition for years and confirmed he suffers from chronic obesity along with hypertension and high cholesterol.
She said healthcare workers have advised him to improve his diet, exercise, rest and medication adherence while continuing regular health monitoring.
Local health officials also plan to ask devotees to offer healthier food, such as brown rice and riceberry rice, while reducing sugary foods, soft drinks and high-sugar fruits to help manage his weight and lower the risk of further complications.
Officials said bariatric surgery would require a comprehensive physical and psychological assessment. However, they believe the monk is a suitable candidate because he is committed to treatment and has strong support from the temple, healthcare workers and local residents.
Plans are being made to refer him to Ban Pong Hospital for specialist care and further evaluation.