The former abbot of Wat Sanam Chai opened up, confirming that he has left monkhood and will not return to the temple or resume the abbot position, saying he is "tired of many things" and wants to sever all monastic ties.
On 6 May 2026, regarding the mysterious disappearance of Phra Kru Palad Sombat Sirisuwanno, abbot of Wat Sanam Chai in Ban Pom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, who was missing despite searches in many areas until he was found at Bang Rak Police Station wearing civilian clothes after defrocking, as previously reported.
Recently, Police Colonel Pongpop Prasopphichai, superintendent of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station, questioned and spoke with Mr. Sombat Klayjinda, the former abbot of Wat Sanam Chai.
Mr. Sombat revealed that he decided to renounce monkhood and will no longer be involved with the temple. He firmly confirmed that if offered to return as abbot, he would decline, having made a resolute decision.
He also admitted that the main reason for his decision was a feeling of being "tired of many things" accumulated during his tenure as abbot, which led him to choose to live a normal life, though he is still unsure how he will proceed.
Meanwhile, Police Colonel Pongpop expressed concern for his life after defrocking, noting that the former abbot had lived in the temple for a long time and might face difficulties adjusting to daily life and work.
Meanwhile, reporters visiting Wat Sanam Chai, Ban Pom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, found villagers continuously coming to follow the situation.
Mrs. Somprasong Kasemnet, 54, a local resident, said she felt very relieved upon hearing news of the abbot’s appearance and affirmed that the former abbot was a good monk who had continuously developed the temple. She expressed regret if he leaves monkhood.
Mr. Pokrit Sukasem, 63, the temple’s treasurer, said he was glad the abbot was safe but was puzzled by his disappearance for several months. If he met him, he would ask why he vanished and regretted that he decided to leave monkhood too soon. He hoped that if the abbot had problems, they could have been discussed, and ideally, he would return to monkhood.
Regarding updates on the disappearance of the former abbot of Wat Sanam Chai, throughout the previous night, police at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya City Police Station conducted questioning. Initially, he was able to communicate clearly and was conscious and alert.