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Pictures of the bus from responders. A road crash occurred in Ranong early morning on 9 May, when a 22-wheel truck rear-ended a passenger bus, which had a wooden structure passenger compartment, leaving seven people injured, one of them critically. The crash happened near a major shopping centre in Moo 1, Bang Rin subdistrict, Mueang Ranong district, shortly before 07:00. Emergency responders from the Ranong Rescue Foundation were dispatched to the scene along with multiple ambulances and officers from Mueang Ranong Police Station. Upon arrival, they found the inter-district passenger bus, which operates between Ngao subdistrict and Ranong town, heavily damaged. The force of the collision pushed the bus nearly 20 metres. Seven people, 2 male and 4 female passengers as well as the driver, were injured in the crash. One person was reported to be in critical condition. All casualties were swiftly transported to Ranong Hospital for urgent medical treatment. An eyewitness described the scene, stating that the bus had been travelling at a moderate speed, through a community area, when the truck, carrying a shipping container, approached rapidly from behind. The truck struck the rear of the bus with significant force, causing it to veer off the road and crash into several roadside trees and the rear passenger compartment, doors and roof ripped off. The driver of the 22-wheel truck, identified as Mr Somchai Phinit, admitted fault at the scene. He told police that he had suddenly blacked out just before the collision and was unable to stop in time. He stressed that he had no intention of fleeing the scene and had immediately informed his company and insurance provider after the incident. Mr Somchai, who had been driving from Songkhla to collect seafood in Ranong, expressed deep remorse for the injuries caused. “I truly apologise to everyone who was hurt. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen,” he said. Authorities confirmed that Mr Somchai was taken to Mueang Ranong Police Station for formal questioning. The driver of the bus and the injured passengers will be interviewed once their medical condition allows. Investigations into the incident are ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from Responders Reports 2025-05-10.

Rayong: Child Drowns in Irrigation Canal Picture courtesy of Amarin. A four-year-old boy has drowned after wandering away from home and entering an irrigation canal in Rayong province, leaving his mother distraught and the local community in shock. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360292-rayong-child-drowns-in-irrigation-canal/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. A four-year-old boy has drowned after wandering away from home and entering an irrigation canal in Rayong province, leaving his mother distraught and the local community in shock. The incident occurred at around 09:30 on 9 May, in Moo 13, Ban Na subdistrict, Klaeng district. Police from Klaeng Police Station were alerted by local rescue volunteers to the discovery of a young boy’s body in the Mab Chan irrigation canal. The victim, identified as Sky, a 4-year-old boy from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, was found lifeless on the bank of the water. Nearby, his mother, Ms. Sai, 32, also from Laos, was seen weeping uncontrollably as she clutched her son’s lifeless body. According to CCTV footage, at approximately 08:57, the boy was last seen playing in front of his home before disappearing from view. Two minutes later, another camera captured him running along a nearby road before heading under a bridge. Shortly after, he entered the water and drowned. At about 09:30, a local resident returning from work in a nearby orchard spotted what initially appeared to be a doll floating in the water. Upon closer inspection, he realised it was the child’s body, face down and entangled with a piece of bamboo. He immediately notified the boy’s mother, who had already been frantically searching for her missing son. Police officers arrived at the scene shortly after and instructed rescue workers to transfer the body to Klaeng Hospital for a formal autopsy. Authorities have ruled the death accidental and are working with local agencies to ensure the area is made safer for children. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-10.

Elderly Driver 87, Runs Over Elderly Couple on Motorbike in Chonburi, Two Dead Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 87-year-old man has turned himself in after hitting an elderly couple on a motorbike in Chonburi and fatally running over them, resulting in the death of both victims, one at the scene and the other in hospital. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360291-elderly-driver-87-runs-over-elderly-couple-on-motorbike-in-chonburi-two-dead/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 87-year-old man has turned himself in after hitting an elderly couple on a motorbike in Chonburi and fatally running over them, resulting in the death of both victims, one at the scene and the other in hospital. The crash occurred at approximately 10:30 on 9 May, on Sukprayoon Road, inbound towards Phanat Nikhom, in front of Wat Nong Chae Waen, in the Mabpong subdistrict of Phan Thong district. Pol. Lt. Col. Prasert Kulbutdee, an investigator at Phan Thong Police Station, responded to the emergency call. At the scene, rescue workers found the body of Mr Sommai Ritngam, 70, who had been wearing a helmet, but suffered a fatal head injury after being run over. His skull was crushed, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Nearby lay a blue Honda Wave motorbike, registration number from Chonburi, with household goods including detergent, food, and fried bananas scattered across the road. The pickup truck driver had already left the scene. Ms Thongrak, 72, the pillion passenger, was found severely injured with abrasions all over her body. Rescue teams provided emergency first aid and rushed her to Phan Thong Hospital. Despite ongoing resuscitation efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries. Later, Mr Thawin Thongnuch, the 87-year-old driver of a Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, registration from Chonburi, surrendered himself to police. The front of his vehicle had visible dents. Mr Thawin explained that he had been driving to Phanat Nikhom when the motorbike, which was on the left, turned suddenly in front of him, resulting in a collision. “I didn’t think they had died,” he told police. “I thought I saw the man still standing afterwards, so I drove on to find my daughter and collect myself before turning myself in.” He claimed he had no intention of fleeing and had simply returned home to regain his composure. “I didn’t even have my mobile phone, it was at home, so I couldn’t call my daughter straight away,” he added. Mr Thawin expressed deep remorse and offered his apologies to the victims’ family, stating that he was willing to accept full responsibility. Police have launched a formal investigation and are preparing to press charges in accordance with the law. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-10.

Man Shoots Neighbour in Revenge Attack Over Pet Dog Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A 68-year-old Thai man has been arrested after shooting a neighbour in what police described as a long-harboured act of revenge for an attack on his pet dog. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360290-man-shoots-neighbour-in-revenge-attack-over-pet-dog/

Picture courtesy of Workpoint. A 68-year-old Thai man has been arrested after shooting a neighbour in what police described as a long-harboured act of revenge for an attack on his pet dog. The incident occurred on a village road in Moo 5, Ton Pho subdistrict, in the province of Sing Buri. Police were alerted to the shooting and found the victim, 42-year-old Mr. Sainatee, suffering from a gunshot wound. The bullet, fired from a .45 calibre handgun, entered his right wrist and exited through his right shoulder. He was rushed to Sing Buri Hospital in a serious but stable condition. According to police, Mr. Sainatee, who works as a fishpond guard, had been driving normally through the area when he was suddenly pursued by another vehicle. The driver then pulled up alongside and opened fire without warning. The victim recognised his assailant as a nearby resident and managed to flee to safety. Police later located the alleged gunman, identified as Mr. Phetchayan, at his home roughly 500 metres from the scene. He was found calmly spraying weedkiller in his garden when officers arrived. When questioned, Mr. Phetchayan confessed to the shooting and handed over the weapon used. In a startling admission, he told police he had held a grudge against Mr. Sainatee since 18 November 2024, when the latter allegedly slashed his dog, named “Nang Oh,” with a knife during a late-night altercation. Mr. Phetchayan claimed the neighbour frequently trespassed on his property at night, shining a headlamp which caused the dog to bark and wake him up. He said he had resolved to retaliate if they ever crossed paths again. “I saw him this morning while I was out buying groceries, so I took my gun and shot him,” he told investigators. “I’ve held on to that anger ever since he hurt my dog.” Mr. Phetchayan, a retired maritime engineer, now lives a quiet life farming and raising fish. His nephew, Mr. Chaipol, told reporters that his uncle was not a violent man. “He’s not the type to cause trouble, but he’s had a tough time in recent years. Even his fish have been stolen,” he said. “He must have been deeply hurt and couldn’t let it go.” Police have taken Mr. Phetchayan into custody and charged him with attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Investigations are ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-05-10.

Cambodia Deports 43 Thai Nationals Linked to Call Centre Scam Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Cambodian authorities have deported 43 Thai nationals through the Klong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, after uncovering their involvement with a criminal call centre operation in Poipet. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360289-cambodia-deports-43-thai-nationals-linked-to-call-centre-scam/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. Cambodian authorities have deported 43 Thai nationals through the Klong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, after uncovering their involvement with a criminal call centre operation in Poipet. The deportees, 23 men and 20 women, were handed over to Thai immigration officials at the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge following a crackdown by Phnom Penh police and relevant agencies between 30 April and 3 May in Banteay Meanchey province. According to Thai authorities, the group had been working for a transnational scam network operating out of a 10-storey building in Poipet, believed to be a hub for call centre fraud targeting Thai citizens. The operation was initiated after the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh received intelligence about the location. Following their arrest, the Cambodians detained the group at the 911 Border Patrol Police base and filed charges of participation in a transnational criminal organisation. The suspects were later deported to Thailand for further legal proceedings. Senior Thai officials, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Thaworn Dulyawit, Commissioner of Sa Kaeo Provincial Police, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Teerachai Chamnarnmo, Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, were present to receive the deportees. The group was taken through immigration procedures and then transferred to a screening centre at Surasinghanat Military Camp under the 19th Army Circle. Authorities aim to distinguish between perpetrators and victims of human trafficking. During the handover, checks revealed that two of the returnees were subjects of arrest warrants covering three separate charges. Another individual had a pending online fraud complaint. These three were separated from the group for immediate legal action. The remaining individuals will undergo the screening process to determine further legal or protective measures, as part of ongoing Thai efforts to dismantle cross-border scam operations and assist trafficking victims. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-10.

Missing Man Found Dead After Disappearance While Collecting Shellfish in Pattani Picture courtesy of Amarin. After a search lasting over 20 hours, rescue teams have found the body of a 50-year-old man who mysteriously vanished while collecting shellfish along the shoreline in Pattani province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360288-missing-man-found-dead-after-disappearance-while-collecting-shellfish-in-pattani/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. After a search lasting over 20 hours, rescue teams have found the body of a 50-year-old man who mysteriously vanished while collecting shellfish along the shoreline in Pattani province. The deceased, identified as Mr Chanchai Mama, was last seen at around 11:00 on 8 May while setting shellfish stakes in the sea near the mouth of the Rusamilae subdistrict, Mueang district. Wearing a red-orange T-shirt and black trousers, Mr Chanchai was seen briefly conversing with a fellow villager before disappearing. By 17:00, concerned family members began searching for him after he failed to return home. His boat was later discovered adrift near the location where he had been working, but there was no sign of the man himself. Alarmed by the situation, relatives notified authorities. More than 20 volunteer divers from the Shark Rescue team and the Santi Rescue Unit, supported by seven boats, joined the operation to scour the surrounding waters. As the search extended into 9 May, local villagers gathered in large numbers along the shore, anxiously hoping for positive news. At approximately 16:40, divers and local fishermen searching near Laem Pho in Yaring district, about 20 kilometres from where Mr Chanchai was last seen, discovered a body floating in the water. The man was wearing a red shirt and black trousers, matching the description given by villagers. The body was brought ashore amid a sombre gathering of relatives and townspeople. Authorities transported the deceased to Pattani Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-10.

Injured Wild Elephant Dies: Autopsy Reveals Multiple Gunshot Wounds Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 50-year-old wild male elephant from Kui Buri National Park has died after a three-day battle for survival, despite the tireless efforts of a veterinary team. An autopsy revealed multiple gunshot wounds throughout the animal’s body, leaving park officials and wildlife conservationists devastated. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360287-injured-wild-elephant-dies-autopsy-reveals-multiple-gunshot-wounds/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 50-year-old wild male elephant from Kui Buri National Park has died after a three-day battle for survival, despite the tireless efforts of a veterinary team. An autopsy revealed multiple gunshot wounds throughout the animal’s body, leaving park officials and wildlife conservationists devastated. The elephant, weighing over 3.5 tonnes, was first spotted on 5 May near Nam Jon Reservoir in Ao Noi subdistrict, Prachuap Khiri Khan, outside the boundaries of Kui Buri National Park. Local villagers noticed the animal was limping heavily, with an apparent injury to its rear left leg. Upon receiving the report, Mr. Anuchart Artharn, Chief of Kui Buri National Park, deployed a drone team to assess the situation. They identified the elephant as a senior male suffering from serious wounds. A wildlife veterinarian, Sakulpong, from Protected Area Regional Office 3 (Phetchaburi Branch), was urgently summoned to begin treatment. Over the next three days, the medical team administered anaesthesia, disinfected wounds, provided antibiotics, nutritional supplements, and IV fluids. However, the elephant’s condition deteriorated rapidly due to the severity of its injuries and age-related health decline. The animal succumbed to its injuries on the morning of 8 May. A post-mortem examination revealed five distinct gunshot wounds, located on the trunk, base of the tusk, abdomen, and rear leg. Metal detectors identified foreign metallic objects embedded in the body, including five bullet fragments and .22 calibre rounds near the base of the tusk. The most severe injury was a 40cm abscess on the injured leg, where the infection had caused the surrounding tissue to decay. The elephant’s internal organs also showed signs of damage, particularly the kidneys, indicating systemic infection. Veterinarians concluded that the primary cause of death was severe infection from the leg wound, which had spread into the bloodstream. The elephant’s weakened immune system, due to old age, prevented it from recovering. Following the autopsy, park officials buried the elephant’s remains at the site to prevent disease transmission to other wildlife. A police report has been filed with Ao Noi Police Station, and an investigation is underway to identify and prosecute those responsible for the shooting. This incident marks another tragic loss in the ongoing struggle to protect Thailand’s dwindling wild elephant population from human-inflicted harm. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-10.

Massive Fire Destroys Bangkok Power Tool Warehouse, Losses Exceed 100 Million Baht A massive blaze broke out at a warehouse storing imported cordless power tools in Bangkok on the evening of 9 May, causing estimated damages in excess of 100 million baht. Authorities believe the fire may have been sparked by an electrical short circuit. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360286-massive-fire-destroys-bangkok-power-tool-warehouse-losses-exceed-100-million-baht/

Pictures from responders. A massive blaze broke out at a warehouse storing imported cordless power tools in Bangkok on the evening of 9 May, causing estimated damages in excess of 100 million baht. Authorities believe the fire may have been sparked by an electrical short circuit. The incident occurred at approximately 20:30, at the iMax Power Tool Co., Ltd. warehouse, located at No. 15, Soi Samae Dam 21, Samae Dam Subdistrict, Bang Khun Thian District. Police Lieutenant Thanadon Thongthai of Samae Dam Police Station responded to the emergency, accompanied by multiple fire engines. The fire engulfed two adjacent single-storey warehouses that stored battery-powered tools under the ‘Osuka’ brand, imported from China. Firefighters reported rapid fire spread, intensified by multiple explosions believed to have come from stored batteries. The blaze quickly reached the neighbouring warehouse and began a structural collapse of the units, making the situation increasingly difficult to control. Firefighters battled the inferno for over two hours before bringing it under control. Both warehouses were almost completely destroyed, including the company’s front office. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. Mr. Panupan Satitsuksomboon, 28, managing director of the company, stated that the facility served as a storage and distribution centre for cordless electric tools. The fire reportedly started at the rear of the warehouse where many of the devices were kept. He suspects an electrical short circuit, possibly from a battery may have triggered the fire. Mr. Panupan added that the facility spanned 1,300 square metres and the business had been operating for about a year. Fortunately, the premises were insured under a fire protection policy. Once the site has cooled sufficiently, forensic investigators will examine the remains to determine the precise cause of the blaze. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-10.

Man Found Dead in Pond After Night Fishing Trip in Tak Province Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 56-year-old man who went missing overnight was found dead the following morning in a pond near his home in Mae Sot district, Tak province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360284-man-found-dead-in-pond-after-night-fishing-trip-in-tak-province/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 56-year-old man who went missing overnight was found dead the following morning in a pond near his home in Mae Sot district, Tak province. Police from Mae Sot Police Station received a report at approximately 10:00 on 8 May from local residents who had discovered a body floating in a pond located in Ban Nuea, behind Wat Boonyawat Temple in Mae Sot Subdistrict. Rescue workers from the Pitakkarn Mae Sot Unit were immediately dispatched to the scene. The location was at the end of a narrow road, surrounded by tall grass and reeds. Upon arrival, officials found a group of villagers gathered around the pond, where the body of a man was seen floating face-up in the water. On the bank was a metal rod commonly used for electrofishing, and a blue nylon mesh bag for collecting fish. Police permitted rescue workers to retrieve the body, which was identified as Mr Sarawut a 56-year-old electrician from the local area. He reportedly suffered from several chronic illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He had previously been treated in intensive care but had since resumed a normal lifestyle. According to police investigations, Mr Sarawut had informed his wife around 20:00 on 7 May that he was going out to collect morning glory, a common local vegetable. His wife and daughter remained at home. When he failed to return by morning, his daughter reported his disappearance to police. Authorities believe his death may have been caused either by accidental electrocution or by complications from his underlying health conditions. The body has been transferred to Mae Sot Hospital for an autopsy before being returned to the family. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-10.

Teen Caught With Gun and Ammunition After Acting Suspicious Near Bangkok Housing Estate Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in northern Bangkok after police discovered a blank-firing gun and live ammunition in his bag during a routine patrol. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360283-teen-caught-with-gun-and-ammunition-after-acting-suspicious-near-bangkok-housing-estate/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in northern Bangkok after police discovered a blank-firing gun and live ammunition in his bag during a routine patrol. The arrest took place at approximately 04:00 on 9 May, near a housing estate in Soi Wat Siriphong Thammanimit, Sukhaphiban 5 Road, Tha Raeng subdistrict, Bang Khen district. Officers from Bang Khen Police Station had been conducting routine patrols in the area when they noticed a young male on a motorcycle behaving suspiciously. Upon stopping and searching him, officers found a GLOCK 19 blank gun chambered for .380 ammunition with four live rounds hidden in his shoulder bag. The suspect, identified only as “Kew” due to his age, was immediately taken into custody. During questioning, the teenager admitted the firearm was in his possession and claimed he had taken it from a rival youth during a previous altercation. He said he kept it for self-defence in case of a future attack. Police promptly informed the boy’s parents of his arrest and escorted him, along with the confiscated weapon and ammunition, to Bang Khen Police Station. He will face legal proceedings under firearms regulations. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-10.

Boy Rescued After Being Sucked Into Drainpipe While Fishing in Canal Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 13-year-old boy had a narrow escape after being partially sucked into a large drainage pipe while fishing in a canal with his friends in Phitsanulok province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360282-boy-rescued-after-being-sucked-into-drainpipe-while-fishing-in-canal/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A 13-year-old boy had a narrow escape after being partially sucked into a large drainage pipe while fishing in a canal with his friends in Phitsanulok province. The incident occurred in the evening of 8 May, when the boy and five of his friends were casting nets to catch fish. According to reports, the boy stepped near the mouth of a large drainage pipe beneath the canal and was suddenly pulled in by the water. His lower body became trapped inside the pipe, leaving him unable to free himself. His friends immediately screamed for help while clinging to his upper body, refusing to let go. Rescue workers from the Khaw Phap Rescue Association were alerted by a good Samaritan and rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the boy’s lower half lodged inside the pipe, with his friends still holding on to him desperately. Rescuers quickly tied a rope around the boy and worked together to pull him free from the pipe. After a tense struggle, the team successfully extracted him without an serious injuries. He sustained abrasions to his torso and waist but was otherwise safe. Bamrung Panmee, one of the rescue officials, said the pipe in question lies beneath the canal and has a diameter of approximately 80 centimetres. He explained that the water likely pulled the boy in after he accidentally stepped too close while casting his net. The quick actions of the boy’s friends and the prompt response by the rescue team were credited with preventing a potentially tragic outcome. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-10.

Thai Actor ‘Dong-Deng’ in ICU Following Serious Motorway Crash in Nakhon Ratchasima Picture courtesy of Matichon. Thai actor Nattawut Saenyabut, widely known by his stage name “Dong-Deng”, was in intensive care following a dramatic road crash in the early hours of the morning of 9 May, on the M6 motorway in Nakhon Ratchasima. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360281-thai-actor-‘dong-deng’-in-icu-following-serious-motorway-crash-in-nakhon-ratchasima/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. Thai actor Nattawut Saenyabut, widely known by his stage name “Dong-Deng”, was in intensive care following a dramatic road crash in the early hours of the morning of 9 May, on the M6 motorway in Nakhon Ratchasima. The 28-year-old star of Thibaan The Series sustained severe injuries after the white Toyota Fortuner he was travelling in plunged from an overpass bridge, near kilometre markers 154–155 in Si Khiu district. The incident was reported at approximately 03:45, by the Phrommatham Rescue Centre, which dispatched emergency responders to the scene. Rescue workers found three male victims at the crash site, all of whom were injured but initially conscious. First aid was administered at the scene before the men were transported to Si Khiu Hospital for further treatment. Dong-Deng, who portrayed the character “Jalod” in the popular Thibaanfranchise and was nominated for Best Actor at the 27th Suphannahong National Film Awards, was later transferred to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for emergency surgery. Medical staff reported that he had suffered a fractured hip, broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a ruptured bladder. He remained overnight, in the intensive care unit on the 6th floor of the Somdet Phra Theppharat Building, where his condition is being closely monitored. Further details released by rescue officials identified the other two injured individuals as Thanin, 25, the driver, from Surin province, who suffered chest pain and a right leg injury, and Sarin, 31, from Roi Et, who sustained bruising and sprains. Both men were conscious and received treatment at Si Khiu Hospital. According to Pol. Lt. Col. Somkiat Najaroen, the investigating officer from Si Khiu Police Station, the driver admitted he had dozed off at the wheel due to fatigue while en route to Bangkok, which caused the vehicle to veer off the motorway ramp and crash down onto the ground below. The crash left the vehicle overturned and severely damaged, particularly at the front end. Police have confirmed that an investigation into the exact cause of the accident is ongoing. Fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry continue to post messages of support online, hoping for Dong-Deng’s full recovery. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-10.

Suphan Buri Abbot Removed Following Allegations of Financial Mismanagement Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The chief monk of Suphan Buri province has formally removed the abbot of a well-known temple after a wave of complaints from local residents, accusing him of serious financial mismanagement and failure to maintain the temple’s infrastructure. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360280-suphan-buri-abbot-removed-following-allegations-of-financial-mismanagement/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The chief monk of Suphan Buri province has formally removed the abbot of a well-known temple after a wave of complaints from local residents, accusing him of serious financial mismanagement and failure to maintain the temple’s infrastructure. On 8 May, around 50 villagers from Moo 9 and Moo 13 in Taphluang subdistrict, Nong Ya Sai district, gathered at Khong Bor Rae Temple to demand the removal of Phra Khru Samuh Chaturaphat Tissaro. They claimed that despite years of fundraising and donation drives, there had been no progress on restoring or maintaining the temple. Instead, the temple had accumulated debts amounting to several million baht. Tensions escalated when approximately 50 supporters of the abbot also arrived, leading to a heated confrontation between the two groups. District officials, led by Nong Ya Sai District Chief Ms. Sarawadee Sonphueak and local police, were deployed to de-escalate the situation. According to an official announcement issued by the provincial monastic council on 7 May (Order No. 1/2568), Phra Khru Samuh Chaturaphat was found to be unfit for his position. Investigations revealed that the abbot had authorised the demolition of key temple structures such as the ordination hall and sermon pavilion, while continuously soliciting donations through fundraising campaigns and online appeals, yet failed to show any tangible results. The report also noted that he neglected multiple requests to meet with provincial clergy representatives, further fuelling suspicions about his conduct. A special inquiry panel at the subdistrict and district levels supported the recommendation to strip him of his title. One local villager, Mr. Uad, who was among those calling for the abbot’s removal, said: “We have filed numerous complaints. He caused massive debt and allowed the temple to fall into ruin. Now that he has been officially dismissed, we want him out of the temple tonight.” In contrast, Ms. Auat, 65, who came to support the abbot, described him as a devoted monk who had always worked for the temple’s development. “I’ve always donated here and never saw anything wrong. Forcing him out like this isn’t fair,” she said. The matter was ultimately resolved after hours of negotiation involving local officials, monks, and Phra Khru Kasemsuwankhun, the acting abbot and subdistrict ecclesiastical head. It was agreed that Phra Khru Samuh Chaturaphat would vacate the temple within five days, allowing tempers to cool and both groups of villagers to disperse peacefully. The situation highlights growing scrutiny over temple finances and accountability, particularly in cases where community trust has been eroded by long-standing grievances. Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-05-10.