The scandal involving the "former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan" has not shaken faith. Tourists continue their pilgrimage and merit-making during holidays at temples in Ayutthaya province without interruption, viewing the individual's behavior as unrelated to the sacred.
On 12 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters observed that on holidays at temples such as Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan and Wat Yai Chaimongkhon Worawihan, important historic temples in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, many people still flock to pay respects and make merit. This continued despite news of the arrest of the abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, with most locals distinguishing between the act of making merit and the individual involved.
Interviewed, P’Poo, a tuk-tuk driver serving tourists visiting temples in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, said he has been driving for over 10 years. He noted that tourists’ visits are unrelated to any temple issues. On weekdays, visitor numbers are low; on holidays, they increase normally. He believes most people come with sincere intentions to make merit and can separate the individual’s actions from their faith, as temples and sacred objects are unaffected by personal conduct.
Regarding merit-making payments, whether by cash or QR code, both methods have been in use for some time. The choice depends on the age group: most elderly people still use cash because they are less comfortable with technology, while young adults predominantly use QR codes for convenience. He observed that older visitors primarily use cash, highlighting the need to consider age groups in understanding merit-making practices.