Locals are concerned about the abbot of Wat Sanam Chai whois in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.He has been missing mysteriously for over a month, and so far there have been no leads. The temple steward insists it is impossible that the disappearance is related to the temple’s debts.
In the case of Phra Kru Palat Sombat Sirisuwanno, age 58, the abbot of Wat Sanam Chai in Ban Pom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, he has been missing from the temple since 16 March. He told the temple steward and monks he was going to pick up his son in Ratchaburi province to take him to the home of his ex-wife in Khon Kaen province, but after that he could not be contacted.
Today (21 Apr 2026), villagers and devotees have gradually come to check on progress in finding Phra Kru Palat Sombat. Phra Wachirophat, deputy provincial monk leader of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and the abbot of Wat Sala Poon Worawihan, along with Phra Kru Phawanaratnaporn, abbot of Wat Samphaolom and head monk of Phu Khao Thong Subdistrict overseeing Wat Sanam Chai, have come to monitor the situation.
Mr. Pruek Sukkasem, 64, the temple steward of Wat Sanam Chai, said the rumors linking the disappearance to the temple’s debts are impossible. The temple’s remaining debt is about 2 million baht, down from over 14 million baht, most of which has been paid off. The majority of the funds were used to develop the temple and organize religious activities.
At the same time, he disagreed with appointing an acting abbot at this time because the facts about the abbot’s disappearance are still unknown. He hopes more time will be given to find him, believing the abbot loves the temple and would not leave without reason.
Ms. Sangwan Jongrak, 65, a local resident, said that after hearing the news, everyone felt uneasy. At first, they thought the abbot might be resting due to illness and his workload, but now, after more than a month without news, villagers are increasingly worried. They continue to await clarity and hope for good news about the abbot’s whereabouts soon.
Phra Wachirophat, deputy provincial monk leader of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, said that the clergy and locals are closely monitoring the situation and urged police to expedite tracing the driver and vehicle involved in the disappearance.
He also called on the person who drove the abbot away from the temple to come forward and provide information to authorities. Anyone who has seen or has any leads about Phra Kru Palat Sombat can report information to Wat Sanam Chai or the local police station in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province.