Phra Kru Palat Sombat, the abbot of Wat Sanam Chai, has been found after disappearing from the temple for about a month. He was seen wearing white robes at Bang Rak Police Station. Authorities coordinated with Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station to take him back for legal procedures.
On 5 May 2026, reporters reported that Phra Kru Palat Sombat Sirisuwanno, the abbot of Wat Sanam Chai, in Ban Pom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, had mysteriously disappeared from the temple. Despite searches in several areas, he could not be found, as previously reported.
The latest update reports that Phra Kru Palat Sombat appeared at Bang Rak Police Station in Bangkok last evening, dressed in white, to inform officials that he was safe, had now disrobed, and was in good condition.
, The Facebook page “Buddhist News” posted the message: “The abbot of Wat Sanam Chai, Ayutthaya, has been found. He has disrobed and appeared at Bang Rak Police Station.”
Pol. Col. Thamsak Saraboon, superintendent of Bang Rak Metropolitan Police Station, revealed that last evening, Phra Kru Palat Sombat, abbot of Wat Sanam Chai in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, came to meet investigators at Bang Rak Police Station wearing all white. He told the investigators that he still had his money and that mosquito bites had prompted him to come to the police. Police checked records and confirmed the details matched the person reported missing. They then coordinated with Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Police to take him back to proceed with legal formalities.
Phra Kru Palat Sombat served as abbot of Wat Sanam Chai for over 20 years. In April 2026, news emerged that he had been missing for over a month, with the last clue placing him riding a motorcycle taxi in Phitsanulok Province. Currently, Phra Wasan Thanuttaro, assistant abbot, is acting as temporary abbot.
Further updates will be reported as they become available.