Luang Pu Suan Thitpanyo, also known as Phra Kru Pradit Panyaporn, the head monk of Lakhet Subdistrict, Mueang District, Buriram Province, a renowned and beloved meditation master known for his compassion, passed away due to infectious pneumonia and respiratory failure at the age of 77, having served as a monk for 57 years.
Reporters stated that on the evening of 8 Mar 2026, a group of monks, disciples, and devoted followers gathered to pay respects to Phra Kru Pradit Panyaporn, or Luang Pu Suan Thitpanyo, head monk of Lakhet Subdistrict, Mueang Buriram. After being admitted to Buriram Hospital on 17 Feb 2026 for infectious pneumonia and respiratory failure, his condition gradually worsened. He was then brought back to Wat Nong Phai in Lakhet Subdistrict, Mueang Buriram.
Later, at 19:19 on 8 Mar 2026, Luang Pu Suan passed away peacefully at age 77, after 57 years as a monk, causing deep sorrow among his disciples. He was known for his simplicity, compassion, and dedication to Vipassana meditation, earning widespread respect from the people of Buriram and followers nationwide. Funeral arrangements will be planned in consultation between the monastic community, relatives, and devotees.
Phra Kru Pradit Panyaporn, born Suan Kridram, was born on Tuesday, 23 Mar 1948, at house number 29/1, Village No. 1, Swayjeek Subdistrict, Mueang District, Buriram Province. He was the fifth child among eight children of Mr. Pan Kridram and Mrs. Noi Kridram. At age 17, his parents brought him to be ordained as a novice monk at Wat Ban Nong Prue, Swayjeek Subdistrict, Mueang Buriram.
Luang Pu Suan studied Buddhist scriptures, etiquette, and the Khmer script, achieving strong literacy skills. At age 20, he was ordained as a monk at Wat Sroithong, Bang Sue District, Bangkok. His preceptor was Phra Kru Panyasopit of Wat Sroithong; his sermon teacher was Phra Kru Sangwon Samathiwat of Wat Pleng Vipassana, Bang Khun Sri, Bangkok Noi; and his witness was Phra Maha Jad Kowito of Wat Sroithong.
He remained affiliated with Wat Sroithong, continuing his Buddhist studies until he passed the advanced Dhamma examination and earned the highest level of Abhidhamma studies at Wat Mahathat, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang District, Bangkok. With a modest and simple spirit, he undertook forest meditation retreats, practicing diligently across forests and mountains throughout Thailand, from north to south and northeast.
. Vipassana meditationHe studied various skills such as charm, loving-kindness, and popular protective magic with Phra Kru Phawanaphimon (Luang Pu Suk Thammachoto) of Wat Pho Sai Thong, Lahan Sai District, Buriram, and practicedVipassana meditationand studied techniques including white cloth magic, yantra cloths, takrut amulets, and rituals to avert misfortune with Phra Kru Wimon Phutthisan (Luang Pu Mang Phutthasaro) of Wat Ban Ta Phaeo, Lakhet Subdistrict, Mueang Buriram, a famous Buriram monk, along with many other monks and laypeople skilled in astrology, charm, loving-kindness, and popularity.
He then returned to Buriram Province, developing several temples before settling as abbot at Wat Ban Nong Phai, Lakhet Subdistrict, Mueang Buriram, where he served until his passing. He improved many temple buildings and, on 5 Dec 2014, was granted the ecclesiastical rank of Deputy Head Monk of the Subdistrict (Chor Tor Chor) under his original ecclesiastical title.
On 13 Mar 2025, during a meeting of the Mueang Buriram monastic community regarding ecclesiastical promotion, Luang Pu Suan was nominated for advancement but respectfully declined, citing his advanced age and declining health, wishing to remain a simple monk.