Gunman Storms Temple and Shoots Abbot Multiple Times; Police Puzzled as Guard Dog Doesn't Bark and CCTV System Down
An armed gunman stormed a temple in Kamphaeng Phet Province and shot the abbot 16 times on May 17, leaving police investigating suspicious details including a guard dog that didn't bark and broken security cameras.
An armed assailant launched a shocking attack at Wat Krajom Thong temple in Mueang District, Kamphaeng Phet Province around 9 p.m. on May 17, shooting Abbot Phra Akharn Bun Lersi Akkhaponya multiple times. The abbot, who was performing religious duties inside his quarters, was suddenly confronted by an unknown gunman who opened fire before escaping under cover of darkness. Temple monks and villagers rushed the critically injured abbot to the hospital. Doctors identified 16 bullet wounds scattered across his body, including injuries to his right ear, neck, shoulder, and right hip.
When questioned, the abbot stated he has no idea who the assailant could be or what motivated the attack. He emphasized that throughout his tenure as abbot, he has only conducted routine religious education with the monks and maintained no serious conflicts with anyone. While he acknowledged occasional requests for small loans from community members, he dismissed this as unlikely to provoke such violence.
The temple community is in shock, with monks and residents expressing deep concern about the brutal attack on their respected abbot, known for his humble leadership and dedication to the monastery. Police have noted several suspicious details in their investigation: the abbot's pitbull guard dog, which is stationed at the quarters entrance, failed to bark as an alarm during the intrusion. Additionally, both the security cameras inside and around the temple compound are out of service. Authorities are pursuing these leads as they investigate the case.