In Mukdahan, a 66-year-old woman is stressed, unable to eat or sleep after villagers accused her of being a 'Phi Pop' because someone in the village died suddenly. She is prepared to ordain as a Brahmin nun to reassure the villagers.
Regarding the case of a 66-year-old woman from a village in Bang Sai Yai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Mukdahan Province, who was accused by some villagers of being a 'Phi Pop,' causing a death in the village, inquiries with locals revealed the following: The deceased's husband said the incident happened on the evening of 4 May 2026 when an elderly woman came to their home asking for food. The family did not object and gave her some. Then, early on 5 May 2026, his wife woke to use the bathroom before preparing to sell goods. He was still in bed when he heard their dog barking unusually at the bathroom, as if sensing something strange. The dog ran to their bedroom, seemingly calling him to follow. When he went out, he heard his wife groaning in pain. Upon pushing the bathroom door open, he found her lying on the floor, unable to get up due to severe abdominal pain. Emergency responders were called, and CPR was performed, but she could not be saved. Afterward, villagers believed the cause was the 'Phi Pop,' thought to be the woman named Som (a pseudonym), aged 66, who is partially paralyzed. The villagers decided that Som should ordain as a Brahmin nun, wearing white robes at a temple.
On 14 May 2026, reporters visited Ban Don Muay, Bang Sai Yai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Mukdahan Province, and found Som looking anxious the entire time. She told reporters that she has been unable to eat or sleep for several days, feeling worried and crying over being blamed as the cause. She was accused of being a 'Phi Pop,' practicing sorcery, and suspected of causing the death in the village. Some villagers agreed to have her removed from the village to ordain as a nun at the temple. Som said she had known the deceased as a longtime friend and had always helped her, even giving leftover vegetables from her sales. Although partially paralyzed and only somewhat able to care for herself, she is willing to comply with the decision for the villagers' peace of mind. She insists she did not practice any sorcery but will go to calm the community.
Mr. Thanawat, 54, a neighbor and relative, said that after the accusations, he asked Som if she really had any supernatural powers, and she said no. When the accusations surfaced, she felt ashamed. He believes she is not a 'Phi Pop' as claimed, and that she is simply struggling to get by day by day.
Reports say that previously the villagers held a meeting and agreed to collect 100 baht from each household to support the accused woman's ordination as a Brahmin nun at the temple.