NAKHON RATCHASIMA - Fire destroyed a monks' dormitory at Wat Donsae in Phimai district on Sunday night, police said. There were no casualties.
Four fire engines from nearby stations were despatched to fight the fire, which started about 10pm.
The fire began on the upper floor of the two-storey building, which houses sleeping quarters for the temple's eight monks.
Fire crews fought the blaze for one and a half hours, bringing it under control only after the building was in ruins.
Phra Seri Techawaro, 57, the abbot, said he was meditating on the ground floor of the building when he heard other monks yelling loudly as the fire blossomed. All the monks managed to flee safely.
Police were investigating the cause of the fire, but initially believed it was an electrical short-circuit because the building was 60 years old and the wiring old and worn.