The Crime Suppression Division is inspecting assets in the former abbot's residence and preparing to return the area to the monastic community. They are about to lift the freeze on the temple's 71 million baht bank account, undertake a major temple reorganization, and reopen the crematorium to the public. Yingyong Yodbuangam visited the temple following recent controversy, affirming that the temple remains a place worthy of reverence and faith in Buddhism.
On 16 September 2026 GMT+7, reporters observed ongoing visits by locals and tourists to Wat Phutthaisawan in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province throughout the day. Visitors continued to tour the historic sites inside the temple and pay respects to Luang Pho Dam, the principal Buddha image inside the ubosot. Three police officers from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station were on duty maintaining order within the temple grounds.
Meanwhile, the residence beside the ubosot, linked to Samichot, the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, remained cordoned off with strict prohibition of outsiders entering. Throughout the day, Crime Suppression Division officers were seen entering and exiting the residence continuously, bringing equipment for asset and document inspection as well as banknote counters to conduct operations inside.
Recently, authorities brought in computers and printers to manage accounting and asset recording. They conducted detailed examinations of assets, documents, and various items inside the residence to gather comprehensive information. Given the large quantity of possessions and documents, the inspection process is expected to require additional time.
Reports indicate that after completing inspections, officials plan to return the residence area to the monastic community. The provincial ecclesiastical authority and related parties joined in surveying and inspecting assets to ensure the process proceeds according to proper procedures.
Additionally, there has been progress regarding the temple's bank account, which holds about 71 million baht. Previously, this account was frozen for financial investigation. Recent reports state that preliminary reviews of transaction flows and financial pathways found no connection to the issues under investigation. Consequently, authorities are considering lifting the freeze so the temple can continue its financial operations and management accordingly.
Regarding the overall investigation, officials continue to examine related evidence thoroughly. Reports reveal that information about other individuals possibly linked to the case has emerged. Currently, evidence is being compiled and facts verified before deciding on further legal actions.
Phra Phiphat Sankanakitwithan, abbot of Wat Tha Krong, deputy provincial ecclesiastical chief of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and acting abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, stated that the monastic community has participated in surveying and inspecting the temple's assets alongside police officers. The responsibility for examining evidence and case details lies with the police, and the investigation is ongoing and incomplete.
Phra Phiphat Sankanakitwithan added that the valuable assets and items inside the residence require more time for thorough inspection and detailed compilation. Regarding case specifics, he deferred to the police to provide explanations to ensure information aligns with factual evidence and legal procedures.
Meanwhile, the monastic community is actively reorganizing and revitalizing the temple grounds. Phra Phiphatthakitjathon, or Phra Ajarn Berm, acting abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, is leading efforts to restore various areas to regular use, especially the crematorium, which had previously been cluttered with stored items.
Efforts are underway to clear items from the crematorium area to prepare for reopening it so locals can resume traditional funeral ceremonies normally. This represents a return of the public utility space for the community's benefit.
Plans also include dismantling large corrugated iron structures and removing some buildings and obstacles that obstruct views within the temple. These measures aim to improve the landscape and restore the beauty of Wat Phutthaisawan, a significant historic site in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
Simultaneously, the monastic community plans to develop parts of the area into parking lots to accommodate locals and tourists visiting the temple in the future. This will reduce parking congestion and create a more orderly environment within the temple grounds.
Although some temple areas remain under police investigation and evidence collection by the Crime Suppression Division, the overall atmosphere remains lively. Locals and tourists continue to visit to pay respects to sacred objects and explore historic sites, closely following updates on the former abbot's residence inspection and temple reorganization efforts.
Future developments to monitor include ongoing asset inspections, the handover of the residence area back to the monastic community, and clarity on lifting the freeze on the temple's approximately 71 million baht account. The reorganization of various temple areas will proceed gradually to restore Wat Phutthaisawan as a religious site, tourist attraction, and public space accessible for community use as usual.
Famous luk thung singer Yingyong Yodbuangam stated that upon learning about recent developments at Wat Phutthaisawan, he was motivated to visit and observe the atmosphere personally. He believes the temple remains a place worthy of reverence and faith, emphasizing that the public can distinguish between individual wrongdoing and the temple or Buddhism as a whole.
Yingyong added that those uncomfortable visiting this temple for merit-making can choose other temples in which they have faith, as acts of merit and Dharma practice can be performed anywhere.
He also expressed that anyone assuming the role of abbot or temple leader should conduct themselves in accordance with moral precepts, adhere to Buddhist monastic discipline, and uphold appropriate ethical standards to serve as a good example for monks and lay Buddhists.
"If you do not commit wrongdoing, no one can harm you," Yingyong said, urging all parties to distinguish between individual actions and the sacred place and faith people have in the temple, so that Buddhism and the temple grounds can continue forward.