Search For Missing 53-Year-Old Man After Four Days
A 53-year-old man from Phetchabun Province has been missing for four days after fleeing his home, reportedly driven to escape his methamphetamine-addicted son who had subjected him to abuse and violence.
On July 11, 2026, authorities reported that Sophaa Khemthong, 53, from Sri Thep Noi Village in Sri Thep District, Phetchabun Province, disappeared from his home on July 7 at around 1 p.m. Community leaders, village headmen, residents, and rescue teams have been searching the area, but he remains missing.
Sophaa's wife, Thongyuai Khemthong, 51, revealed that before his disappearance, their 28-year-old son, a methamphetamine addict, had regularly abused Sophaa and forced him to steal money for drugs. Desperate, Sophaa eventually turned to robbery and was arrested and imprisoned. While he was in prison, his son destroyed their home, leaving only the foundation posts. Upon his release, Sophaa was devastated to see his house in ruins and feared further violence from his son, prompting him to flee. His whereabouts remain unknown after four days, as does his son's location.
