A BUDDHIST monk shot a cleric at a temple after becoming furious with his fellow brother for playing loud music while leaving the bathroom door open.

The devout monk, Phra Niwat, 36, was discovered tragically murdered with four gunshot wounds to his neck, right arm, and chest at the monastery in Thailand.

The irate assailant, 47-year-old Phra Jaruek, retreated to his room shortly following the terrible shooting at Wat Khao Rang in tambon Talad Yai, Phuket.

Local police inspector Jaruwit Juabkwarmsuk said four spent .38 calibre cartridges and a bullet casing were found at the scene.

After fleeing to his room just before 6am on Sunday morning, police surrounded the area and called on him to surrender.

The guilty monk eventually came out of hiding in his room and gave himself up.

Cops made another shocking discovery after finding a loaded .38 revolver and 14 rounds of ammunition in his bedroom.

Killer Jaruek told police he had allegedly been the target of a prolonged bullying campaign orchestrated against him by Niwat.

He said the victim had provoked him on the morning of the fatal shooting.

Jaruek said: “Phra Niwat went into the bathroom without locking the door and played something loudly on his phone.”

The holy man said of his fellow brother‘s behaviour: “It irritated me.”

He explained that the annoying noise provoked him to take the “gun from my room”.

Jaruek said: “I shot him, and reloaded another six rounds.”

The crazed monk was detained immediately by local police.

He was escorted to the ecclesiastical district governor of Muang Phuket.

There, the governor formally expelled the rebellious cleric from the prestigious monkhood.

Jareuk is now facing legal prosecution.

The temple has yet to comment publicly on the incident.

Wat Khao Rang temple is located on the island holiday hotspot of Phuket.

It is known for its association with the late monk Luang Pu Supha, who founded and revitalised numerous temples.

The temple also features a large golden sitting Buddha statue and is decorated with carvings depicting Thai myths.

Located near the Khao Rang Viewpoint, it has become a popular spot for both locals and tourists.