Pickup Hits Abbot During Alms Round in Sri Saket

At 6:30 a.m. on October 25, 2024, Pol. Lt. Col. Apivat Kesorn, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of Mueang Sri Saket Police Station, received a report of a vehicle striking a monk in front of Wat Phan Tha in Pho Subdistrict, Mueang District, Sri Saket Province. He proceeded to the scene with staff from Sri Saket Hospital.

At the scene, a monk was found lying unconscious on the roadside, still holding his alms bowl. He was later identified as Phra Athikan Kan Kanthamano, age 60, the abbot of Wat Phan Tha. He sustained serious injuries. Officials provided first aid before transporting him to Sri Saket Hospital.

Nearby, a bronze-colored four-door Toyota pickup truck with Sri Saket license plates was parked at the scene. The left headlight area was cracked and damaged from the impact. The driver, identified only as Mr. Prawit, age 61, was waiting to give a statement to police.

During questioning, Mr. Prawit claimed he had left home to buy medicine at a nearby convenience store. En route, a motorcycle suddenly cut in front of him, causing him to swerve left. At that moment, the rising sun from the east shone directly into his eyes, preventing him from seeing the monk walking on alms round at the roadside, and his vehicle struck the monk forcefully.

Local residents near the intersection revealed that Phra Athikan Kan regularly performed alms rounds at nearby houses every morning. He was a revered monk who had played a key role in developing the temple. Upon learning of his serious injuries, locals expressed shock and deep concern.

Police initially inspected and photographed the scene for evidence, prepared to take a detailed statement from the pickup driver, and gathered witness testimony to determine the exact cause of the accident before proceeding with legal action. Phra Athikan Kan remains under close medical supervision.