"Aunt Da" and "Aunt Buakhao" met with Khon Kaen police to acknowledge charges in the Forest Adulyaram Monastery trespassing case, affirming there is nothing concerning and that everything is true, while "Pu Maha Muni" brought gingerbell flowers to offer encouragement.
At 09:30 on 18 Sep 2026, at Muang Khon Kaen Police Station, Ms. Chommanee Noichan, known as "Aunt Da," heir of Mr. Hiang Pimsri, and Mrs. Buakhao Sorasamut, known as "Aunt Buakhao," estate manager of Mr. Hiang, arrived to meet investigators following a summons over the Forest Adulyaram Monastery dispute. Accompanying them were Mr. Woradet Changbu, or "Uncle Waen Thanos," former advisor to the heirs, other heirs of Mr. Hiang, and their legal team, traveling together in a Toyota van. Upon arrival, numerous media gathered to take photos and ask questions as usual.
Later, Mr. Chairat Yodprom, or "Pu Maha Muni," aged 38, came to offer support but did not immediately present flowers to Aunt Da. Aunt Da and her companions in the van then proceeded directly to the fourth-floor meeting room of the police station.
Pu Maha Muni said, "Today, I’m assuming the role of Aunt Da’s team. I’m here as part of her team today," adding that previously he had supported lawyer Anantachai’s side but now came to encourage Aunt Da, showing that she still has supporters by her side.
Pu Maha Muni also said he intended to ask about several unresolved issues, especially regarding reports filed against the governor and various officials who signed documents related to assisting the temple and religion, questioning the charges and relevant criminal code sections. He said he was unsure if “Ajarn Jaturong” would come. The flowers he brought for Aunt Da, called "gingerbell flowers," are commonly given to express congratulations or encouragement. He bought them from a nearby shop due to short notice. Regarding Aunt Da’s mention of "betting her life," he said, "We all continue to support Aunt Da as always," emphasizing he would inquire as a citizen. He recalled previously giving support to Uncle Phol and believed Aunt Da’s possible outcome might be detention.
When asked about the dispute, Aunt Da confirmed and expressed confidence that only the truth from the heirs’ side would be revealed and given as testimony to the police. Aunt Buakhao said, "There is nothing to worry about," emphasizing that everything is true and that they must wait and see how things unfold.
Mr. Woradet revealed that today they prepared documents to report and record four matters with investigators at Muang Khon Kaen Police Station regarding the temple, the abbot, and allegations of improper temple establishment. These were to be kept as evidence for court proceedings and to inform the public of the facts. Previously, he mentioned documents appointing the abbot, granting monastic titles, temple establishment announcements, and temple layout, challenging the legality and accuracy of these documents.
Regarding the legal proceedings, Police Colonel Yosawat Kaewseubthannij, superintendent of Muang Khon Kaen Police Station, said investigators would take statements and press charges according to procedure. Aunt Da faces charges including joint trespassing, threatening to cause fear by threatening to use a backhoe to destroy a fence, involvement in a criminal gang, and offenses under Section 112. Mrs. Buakhao is charged with filing false reports to land officials to obtain a replacement land title deed.
The dispute concerns land at Forest Adulyaram Monastery on Kanlapaphruek Road, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province, title deed number 61945, covering 21 rai, 3 ngan, and 61 square wah. On 16 Sep 2026, officials changed the name on the title deed from Mr. Hiang Pimsri to Forest Adulyaram Monastery.
At the time of reporting, journalists had not yet formally interviewed Aunt Da or her delegation, awaiting police to complete questioning and formally charge involved parties. Aunt Da said she would give another interview after meeting investigators per the summons.
Later, Police Colonel Yosawat Kaewseubthannij, superintendent of Muang Khon Kaen Police Station, updated on the trespassing case at Forest Adulyaram Monastery: today, Ms. Chommanee Noichan, "Aunt Da," and others with lawyers arrived to acknowledge charges. All eight summonsed suspects were present, plus Mrs. Buakhao Sorasamut, estate manager of Mr. Hiang Pimsri, totaling nine suspects. Investigators have questioned them all; everyone denied all allegations.
Police Colonel Yosawat said Aunt Da is charged with four offenses: jointly trespassing on others' property by two or more persons causing disturbance to peaceful possession, criminal gang involvement, threatening others causing fear, and Section 112 offenses. Three individuals face Section 112 charges related to security: a person in a purple shirt seen in a clip, the woman in black shirt, and Aunt Da. Mrs. Buakhao is charged with filing a false report to an official.
Regarding case procedures, Police Colonel Yosawat said investigators informed suspects of their rights and charges today. Since suspects came voluntarily to acknowledge charges, there was no arrest or bail. Next steps include collecting evidence and completing the investigation within the set timeframe before arranging a date to send suspects and case files to the public prosecutor.
For temple security, police have established a forward command post with officers on duty and volunteer police assistants helping to maintain order. Currently, the situation is stable.