A touching story of a 67-year-old German man with a Thai heart, a former IT manager, who became a disciple of Wat Ratchaburana in Phitsanulok. Every morning, he sweeps the temple courtyard and mops the vihara floor. He revealed that if he passes away, he wishes to leave his ashes at the temple.
On 3 Nov 2026 GMT+7, a reporter reported that at Wat Ratchaburana, a royal temple in Mueang District, Phitsanulok, there is an admirable story of a middle-aged foreigner who loves Thailand. Each morning, he rides his beloved motorcycle to pay respects and ask for blessings from Phra Kru Sithithamviphat, or Luang Por Samlee, the acting abbot of Wat Ratchaburana. Then he picks up a broom and mop and skillfully cleans the area around Luang Por Thong Khao's ordination hall and the upper vihara of Luang Por Thong Dam. Afterward, he waters the temple plants, maintaining this routine continuously for over six months.
He is identified as Mr. Clemens Kaunt, 67, a German and former IT systems manager at a prominent foreign company. After retiring, he chose to spend his later years traveling around Thailand by motorcycle. He has visited nearly every province and especially enjoys visiting temples and natural tourist attractions.
Mr. Clemens revealed that he deeply loves Thailand and finds happiness traveling by motorcycle, particularly admiring Thai temples for their beauty and unique character. Wat Ratchaburana in Phitsanulok is a place he frequently visits to pay respects whenever he comes to Thailand. Previously, he asked for blessings from Luang Por Samlee and participated in the hand anointing ceremony "Na Ma Mon" to enhance auspiciousness in his life.
Additionally, he is fond of various Luang Por amulets from Thailand, having collected many during his travels to different sites. He also appreciates traditional Thai Sak Yant tattoos. Helping to clean the temple brings him comfort and happiness.
Phra Kru Sithithamviphat, or Luang Por Samlee, revealed that Mr. Clemens has been making merit and cleaning the ordination hall and vihara areas for several months. Although communication is limited, it is known that he wishes to become a disciple of Wat Ratchaburana, a royal temple. He also mentioned that if he dies, he wants to have his ashes kept at this temple because of his strong bond and the peace he feels when visiting, making merit, and cleaning the temple, which benefits the community.
Luang Por Samlee praised that although he is a foreigner, Clemens has a heart for making merit and selflessly dedicates his personal time to care for the temple regularly, which is commendable and equal to that of Thai people. Before Clemens departed, he paid respects and received blessings again. Luang Por Samlee kindly sprinkled holy water and presented him with a Phra Nang Phaya amulet, revered as the 'Queen of Amulets' and part of the Benjapakee amulet set, to wear for auspiciousness and as a keepsake. This deeply pleased the middle-aged German man.
