Police Launch Manhunt for Gunman Who Shot Abbot of Prominent Kamphaengphet Temple; Important Clues Found

Kamphaengphet police are launching a full-scale manhunt for the suspect who ambushed and shot the temple abbot in a serious attack. Investigators found important clues in a cassava field behind the temple and are not ruling out personal disputes or financial problems as motives. The gunman remains at large as authorities work to bring him to justice as quickly as possible.

On May 19, a shocking incident that has alarmed Buddhist followers occurred when an assailant opened fire on Phra Athikar Bunlerng Akpunyo, 64-year-old abbot of Wat Krajom Thong in Kamphaengphet province, leaving him with severe injuries inside the temple residence. His condition remains concerning, and medical staff continue close monitoring while police intensify their search for the perpetrator. Investigators discovered significant clues in a cassava field near the temple.

Provincial police officers have meticulously collected evidence from the crime scene inside the abbot's residence, where Phra Athikar Bunlerng was shot with an unknown firearm, sustaining wounds to his right ear, neck, shoulder, and right hip. A major obstacle in the investigation is that "all CCTV cameras inside the temple are non-functional," forcing investigators to expand their search to security cameras in neighboring areas surrounding the temple instead.

During their sweep of the cassava field near the Ping River pier, officers discovered multiple human footprints, though it remains under investigation whether these are connected to the suspect. Temple caretaker Manoach Phubampoen affirmed that the abbot is a development-minded monk who has never had conflicts with anyone, and the incident has deeply shocked the local community. He urged police to apprehend the perpetrator and prosecute as quickly as possible.

At Kamphaengphet City Police Station, investigators have summoned associates for further questioning, focusing on potential motives including "loan disputes" and "romantic jealousy issues." Lamyai Bunpho, one of the abbot's close associates who helps with meal preparations, stated after giving her statement that she felt no pressure from police. She acknowledged the abbot had been asked for loans but completely denied rumors of romantic entanglement, clarifying that the man in question was not involved and was out catching fish on the night of the incident. She claimed she was unaware of allegations that the abbot had called a male masseuse for a massage without paying.

Nakorn Polpakdi, another close associate who was also questioned, maintained his innocence and affirmed he volunteered at the temple out of faith. He stated police questioned him respectfully without pressure and expressed his complete cooperation. He reiterated his pure intentions, saying he simply helps with temple work and cannot fathom why such an incident would happen to the revered abbot.

Currently, investigators have not ruled out any motives, including personal conflicts, financial problems from people who borrowed money, or other surrounding circumstances. They are awaiting results from evidence analysis at the crime scene and reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas to identify the perpetrator's escape route, so they can apprehend him and file charges as quickly as possible.