The Crime Suppression Division is inspecting assets in the former abbot's residence at Phutthaisawan Temple, preparing to return the area to the monastic community and planning to lift the freeze on the temple's 71 million baht bank account. Meanwhile, the temple is undertaking a major reorganization and reopening the crematorium for public use.
On 16 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters noted that at Phutthaisawan Temple in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, visitors and tourists continued arriving throughout the day to tour the temple's historical sites and pay respects to Luang Pho Dam, the principal Buddha image inside the ordination hall. Three police officers from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station were present to maintain order within the temple grounds.
At the residence beside the ordination hall, related to Samichot, the former abbot of Phutthaisawan Temple, the area remains cordoned off, strictly prohibiting outsiders from entering. Throughout the day, Crime Suppression police officers were seen coming and going from the residence, bringing equipment to inspect assets and documents, including currency counting machines, to conduct their work inside.
Recently, officers brought computers and printers into the residence to create inventories and record asset listings. They conducted thorough inspections of assets, documents, and various items inside the residence to gather complete information. Due to the large volume of assets and documents present, the examination process is expected to take additional time.
Reports indicate that after the inspection, authorities plan to return the residence area to the monastic community. The provincial religious officer and related parties have jointly surveyed and examined the assets to ensure the process proceeds correctly.
Regarding the temple's bank account holding about 71 million baht, it was previously frozen to allow authorities to investigate financial transactions. Recent reports state that after reviewing transaction flows and initial financial routes, no links to the investigation's subject have been found. Therefore, the process of lifting the account freeze is underway so the temple can continue its operations and manage its funds properly.
Overall, the investigation continues with authorities examining relevant evidence. Reports mention discovering information about other individuals potentially involved in the case. Authorities are currently gathering evidence and verifying facts before considering further legal action.
Phra Phiphat Sankanakitwithan, abbot of Wat Tha Karong, deputy provincial monk chief of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and acting abbot of Phutthaisawan Temple, stated that the monastic community has participated in surveying and inspecting temple assets alongside police officers. The examination of evidence and case details remains the responsibility of the police and is still ongoing.
Phra Phiphat added that the valuable assets and items inside the residence require additional time for detailed inspection and documentation. Regarding case specifics, he deferred to police officials to provide clarifications in line with factual and procedural accuracy.
Meanwhile, the monastic community is advancing a major reorganization and restoration within the temple grounds. Phra Phithan Kitchathorn, or Phra Ajarn Berm, the acting abbot of Phutthaisawan Temple, is leading efforts to restore areas for regular use, especially the crematorium, where items had previously been stored.
Efforts are underway to clear items from the crematorium area to prepare for reopening, allowing residents to resume traditional funeral rites normally. This initiative is seen as returning public utility space to the local community.
Plans also include dismantling large corrugated metal panels and certain structures obstructing views within the temple to improve landscaping and restore the beauty of Phutthaisawan Temple, a significant historical site in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
Additionally, the monastic community aims to develop some areas into parking lots to accommodate visitors and tourists, reducing parking issues and enhancing order within the temple premises.
Although some temple areas remain under police inspection and evidence collection by the Crime Suppression Division, the overall atmosphere is lively. Visitors and tourists continue to come to pay respects and explore the historical sites, closely following developments related to the former abbot's residence inspection and temple reorganization.
Future steps include continuing asset inspections, returning the property to the monastic community, and clarifying the lifting of the 71 million baht account freeze. Meanwhile, the temple reorganization will proceed gradually, aiming to restore Phutthaisawan Temple as a religious site, tourist attraction, and public space accessible for the community's use.
Famous luk thung singer Yingyong Yodbuangam said that after learning about the developments at Phutthaisawan Temple, he decided to visit personally. He viewed the temple as a place of reverence and faith, believing the public can distinguish between individual wrongdoing and the temple or Buddhism as a whole.
Yingyong added that those uneasy about visiting this temple for merit-making could choose other temples they have faith in, as merit-making and practicing Buddhism can be done anywhere.
He also expressed that anyone assuming the role of abbot or temple leader should conduct themselves in accordance with the precepts and the Vinaya code, maintaining proper conduct befitting their monastic status to serve as good examples for monks and Buddhists.
"If you do not commit wrongdoing, no one can harm you," Yingyong said, urging all parties to distinguish between individual actions and the place or faith people hold for the temple, so that Buddhism and the temple grounds can move forward peacefully.