Life in the picturesque southern province of Surat Thani has not been short of surprises lately, particularly due to a rather intriguing event involving a well-known durian vendor. Sujittra, fondly called Jay Kaew, a 43-year-old with an undying passion for the “king of fruits,” found herself at the center of a disappearance that kept her loved ones on edge until recently.
On the evening of Saturday, May 17, after excelling at dispensing the thorny delight from her shop, Sujittra hopped on her trusty motorcycle for what was supposed to be a short two-kilometer journey home. But instead of arriving at her usual time, she vanished into the night. However, she startled everyone when she left behind not only her two mobile phones but also took with her approximately 100,000 baht in cash and over 1 million baht worth of shining gold accessories, which naturally set her family into a spin of anxiety.
The initial panic led officers from Mueang Surat Thani Police Station to spring into action, swiftly pouring over CCTV footage charting her brief journey. When they caught sight of her breezing past the police checkpoint near Surat Thani Rajabhat University escorted by a close friend, there was a collective sigh of relief, albeit short-lived. The trail went cold beyond that point as the spy cameras were sparse, and her whereabouts remained a mystery.
Her husband, Pongphan Saetan, broke the silence, painting a picture of a relationship occasionally fraught with tension, reminiscences of an older, similar vanishing act dancing on the fringes of his memory. His confession added depth to the saga, “This isn’t the first time,” he mused, recounting a parallel escapade some two to three years back following a tiff over his ill-advised extracurricular activities, albeit romantic. Back then, a contrite Sujittra returned after a ten-day self-imposed exile, which, of course, many have touted as quite the ‘cool off’ period.
However, as of 3 pm yesterday, Sujittra emerged from her self-imposed hiatus, flanked resolutely by relatives from Kanchanadit district, as she strolled into the Mueang Surat Thani Police Station. Confirming both her safety and steadfast grip on her valuables, she threw back the veil on her mysterious retreat. Sporting a semblance of serenity, she admitted to seeking solace away from the cacophony of her regular life, wishing to regroup both physically and emotionally far from the routine she’d grown weary of.
Never one to waffle, Sujittra has apparently got plans. Her brief rendezvous with the unknown has culminated in a decision to relocate—a notion already broached with her children. Despite the uproar, she maintains a resolute stance on steering clear of her old abode for the foreseeable future. The durian season may face a lull in her shop, but in its place lies the poignant story of a quest for inner peace and the audacity to prioritize self-care amid life’s chaotic shuffle.
This poignant tale continues to be the talk of Thailand, seamlessly merging into the tapestry of other news like a stark story in crime, a nagging theft in Samut Prakan, and an audacious motorcycle mishap in Chon Buri. The tapestry of Thai life glows brighter with each thread, distinctly colored by the stories of its people, daring to seek, dare to wander.
I can’t believe Sujittra just up and left like that! It sounds so suspicious to vanish with all that cash and gold. She’s definitely hiding something.
Why does it have to be suspicious? Sometimes people need a break. It’s not easy running a business all the time. Perhaps she just needed time away from stress.
A break without telling anyone and with all that money? Come on, smells fishy to me.
Agree with Traveler123. We shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Everyone has a right to some peace.
Does anyone else find it weird her husband seems so nonchalant? Maybe there’s more to this story than we know.
Exactly! His previous ‘extracurricular activities’ as he calls them could have driven her away. I think he’s downplaying his role.
The quest for inner peace is commendable. We should all seek out solitude to regroup at times.
Sure, seeking solace is nice, but disappearing like that is irresponsible, especially with kids involved.
I hope Sujittra finds what she’s looking for. Her durians are the best in Surat Thani!
Agreed! I was devastated when her shop closed. Hope she comes back soon.
The durians can wait. Her wellbeing is more important.
Taking over 1 million baht in valuables seems extreme for someone just looking for a break.
Maybe it’s her sense of security. Who knows what she might have needed it for.
This story highlights the importance of mental health. Kudos to her for taking charge of her life.
I agree. It’s refreshing to see someone prioritize their mental health, especially in today’s fast-paced world.
Exactly! More people should consider prioritizing their wellness.
Why do all these stories end in someone running off? Sounds like a soap opera…
Life can be stranger than fiction sometimes, Sally. Plus, these things make the news interesting.
People in our community stand by Sujittra! She’s a pillar here.
Support is great, but what matters is how she feels about her journey.
A 43-year-old having two mysterious disappearances? Marital issues might just be the tip of the iceberg.
People handle stress differently. Let’s not presume without knowing the full picture.
I miss her durians! My mum always bought them for me!
An intriguing psychological study could be made about individuals who ‘escape’ in search of inner peace.
It’s fascinating yet complex. We can’t generalize these acts of self-preservation.
Whatever the reason, people should prioritize their happiness over societal expectations.