The steward of Sanam Chai Temple has pleaded for the abbot to return to the temple to discuss the concerns weighing on his mind. If he does not come back, they are willing to listen and seek an appropriate resolution. Meanwhile, police continue to actively track his whereabouts. The ex-wife admits she is puzzled about why he went to Tak Province instead.
Updates on the case of Phra Kru Palat Sombat Sirisuwanno, the abbot of Sanam Chai Temple in Ban Pom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, who mysteriously disappeared. Recently, investigators from the Region 1 Provincial Police Command have identified two drivers of involved sedans, clarifying the abbot’s travel route before his disappearance.
During questioning, it was revealed that the first driver picked up the abbot from the temple, then drove to drop off his son in Khon Kaen Province. On the return trip, the abbot requested to be taken on to Chiang Mai Province, but the driver, feeling fatigued, stopped to rest in Saraburi Province and arranged for another car to take over.
Authorities then tracked the second driver, who stated that the abbot hired him to be taken to Mae Sot District in Tak Province. However, upon reaching Mueang Tak District, the abbot asked to be dropped off at a gas station and left the vehicle alone — this was the last place he was seen.
Statements from both drivers indicate the abbot appeared stressed and spoke about his duties, especially regarding the summer novice monk ordination project he was determined to complete, despite some fatigue and occasional disagreements at work.
On 22 April 2026 at Sanam Chai Temple, Mr. Pruek Sukkasem, 64, the temple steward, along with temple monks and committee members, continued to closely follow the case’s progress. Many began to feel less worried after clearer leads emerged.
Mr. Pruek revealed that they learned the abbot felt discouraged and exhausted from managing temple affairs.
Working with the abbot sometimes involved disagreements and debates, but never violence. Everything was always open for discussion. He confirmed that they have fully supported temple work, particularly the summer novice ordination program involving over 92 participants, which required close attention and caused considerable fatigue.
However, after learning the police have identified both drivers, Mr. Pruek urged the abbot to contact the temple, as everyone is concerned. The need to provide information to various authorities has also affected the temple’s community health.
“No matter his condition, everyone is ready to accept him and bring him back to the temple. If he has problems, we want him to come back and talk, or if he does not wish to return, we are ready to listen and find a suitable solution, then proceed according to regulations,” Mr. Pruek said tearfully.
Meanwhile, authorities continue urgent efforts to locate the abbot, believing that the route through northern provinces, especially Tak, may hold the key to resolving this case.
At 09:00 at Nong Ruea Police Station in Khon Kaen Province, Pol. Col. Ittiphat Sriman, Chief of Nong Ruea Police Station, summoned Mrs. Sukanya, 58, the abbot’s ex-wife, for information and confirmation of the identity of the person who drove their son, as investigators reviewed CCTV footage along suspected routes.
Pol. Col. Ittiphat emphasized that authorities have thoroughly examined all aspects in Nong Ruea District, including traffic routes, CCTV, and nearby criminal cases. They found no incidents linked to the abbot in the area, confirming he was alive while in Nong Ruea. Relatives and the ex-wife have no suspicions regarding that area.
Mrs. Sukanya, the ex-wife, revealed that despite receiving progress updates, she remains deeply puzzled as to why the abbot traveled to other provinces, especially Tak, when he had previously said he would return quickly to ordain novices. She also confirmed neither she nor the abbot has family or acquaintances in northern provinces.
She added that it remains uncertain whether the abbot is still alive, despite the first driver’s report that he was safe. The involvement of the second vehicle raises questions about the abbot’s true destination. She appealed to the abbot, if alive, to contact his family immediately.
Nevertheless, the ex-wife expressed no concerns about the police work in Nong Ruea, praising their swift and dedicated efforts, noting that officers worked throughout the night without rest to gather information.
Meanwhile, police continue to investigate and expand their efforts to trace the route after the second car transfer and to determine the abbot’s true destination, aiming to quickly solve the mystery of his disappearance amid the family’s anxious wait for answers.