The refuge for the poor, “Wat Phibunsanhatham” in Sriracha, remains committed to its project of providing free funerals for impoverished individuals without relatives, despite diesel price increases. The abbot admits there may be greater burdens but has not abandoned the effort.
On 7 Apr 2026 GMT+7, reporters visited Wat Phibunsanhatham in Sriracha district, Chonburi province, and met with Phra Yanantorn Athipunyoo, the abbot and secretary of the Surasak Subdistrict Monk Committee Zone 2, to inquire about continuing free funeral services for the poor amid rising fuel costs.
The abbot confirmed that the temple continues to provide free funerals to impoverished people without charging a single baht, despite ongoing diesel price hikes. Additionally, when relatives arrange funerals, the temple does not demand fees for water, electricity, funeral hall use, or other expenses, accepting donations voluntarily to assist villagers and daily wage workers burdened by rising living costs while incomes lag behind, making it difficult to support their families.
Phra Yanantorn Athipunyoo also revealed that initially the temple brought fuel containers to purchase diesel at gas stations, but some stations refused to sell. After explaining that the fuel was for cremation purposes, the stations understood and resumed sales. However, the temple currently faces challenges due to higher fuel prices, increasing the funds needed to buy diesel for cremations.
This ongoing issue affects everyone, as rising fuel costs have a clear impact. Nevertheless, the temple continues its cremation project for unclaimed bodies of those without relatives or means, even though it must bear additional expenses for pricier diesel. The abbot invites anyone interested in contributing to the construction of the temple’s crematorium or helping cover diesel costs to transfer funds via Krungthai Bank to Wat Phibunsanhatham, account number 273-0-31761-9, or to contact the temple directly for inquiries.