With deep sorrow, disciples gradually came to perform the water pouring ceremony for the deceased. "Phra Phrom Wachiradilok" Abbot of Wat Pa Saeng Arun, who peacefully passed away at the age of 80, after 60 years in monkhood.
In the case of Most Venerable Phra Phrom Wachiradilok (Saman Sumetho), abbot of Wat Pa Saeng Arun, a royal temple, and advisor to the Khon Kaen Provincial Sangha Council (Dhammayut), who passed away peacefully on 12 August 2026 at 00:00, aged 80 with 60 years in monkhood, causing great sorrow among the monastic community and disciples.
Recently, at 13:30 on 13 August 2026, reporters at Sumetho 79 multipurpose hall, Wat Pa Saeng Arun, Phra Lap Subdistrict, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province, reported that the temple was filled with grief and mourning. Disciples and Buddhists gradually arrived after learning of the passing of "Phra Phrom Wachiradilok" (Saman Sumetho, Ubonpitak, P.D.9), abbot of Wat Pa Saeng Arun and advisor to the Khon Kaen Provincial Sangha Council, to await the ceremony to enshrine and respectfully pay homage to his remains.
The temple prepared the venue for the royal water pouring funeral ceremony and traditional religious rites, scheduled for Thursday, 13 August 2026, at Sumetho 79 multipurpose hall, Wat Pa Saeng Arun royal temple, Phra Lap Subdistrict, Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen Province.
At 13:00, the remains of Phra Phrom Wachiradilok were brought to Sumetho 79 multipurpose hall. From 13:30 to 16:00, senior monks, monks, novices, and devotees performed the water pouring ceremony. At 17:00, His Majesty graciously bestowed the royal water pouring funeral rite for 10 monks of ecclesiastical rank, followed by merit-making and chanting of the Abhidhamma ceremony, concluding the rites. The temple invited senior monks, novices, and disciples to join in the water pouring ceremony.
Earlier, Luang Pu Phra Phrom Wachiradilok received treatment at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, under close medical care for abdominal infection due to cirrhosis, bloodstream infection, and kidney failure, which progressively worsened his condition.
On 8 August 2026, the medical team along with the Karunarak Center of Khon Kaen University Faculty of Medicine approved returning Luang Pu to rest at Wat Pa Saeng Arun royal temple, according to his wishes. Medical staff provided continuous pain and discomfort management via subcutaneous anesthesia until he peacefully passed away.