"Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto" is the subject. He announced his resignation as abbot of "Wat Phra That Muen Hin" in Kalasin Province, saying it is time to rest due to old age and health problems. The monastic committee held a tense meeting urging him to reconsider, ultimately reaching a preliminary resolution that he will continue to serve as a patron for two temples.
On 21 April 2026 at 15:00, reporters reported that at the reception room of Wat Suan Tham Piti (Dhamma Park) in Ban Ka Pae, Chiang Khrua Subdistrict, Mueang District, Kalasin Province, Phra Kru Kamol Thammarangsi, the district chief monk of Nakhu-Huai Phueng-Khaowong (Dhammayut), along with 10 monks from Wat Phra That Muen Hin, visited to pay respects to Phra Thep Watcharatham Sophon, known as Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto, regarding his intention to resign as abbot of Wat Phra That Muen Hin. Monks from the temple, committee members, temple stewards, close disciples, and representatives from the Kalasin Provincial Office of Buddhism observed. The initial atmosphere of the discussion was warm and friendly.
Phra Kru Kamol Thammarangsi asked about the reasons behind the resignation as appeared on social media. Luang Pu Sila responded cheerfully that he had health issues and, being 81 years old, it was time to rest. He wished to resign from the abbot position at Wat Phra That Muen Hin (Dhammayut). He had already assigned a lawyer to draft the resignation letter to be submitted to the provincial monastic authority or follow the official monastic procedures.
However, when the monks of Wat Phra That Muen Hin learned of Luang Pu Sila's firm intention, they raised their hands in joyful approval but showed regret. They expressed that Luang Pu Sila was greatly revered in the Buddhist community; monks, novices, and local people all respected him. He was instrumental in founding Wat Phra That Muen Hin over many years, becoming a spiritual center for disciples nationwide. They wished for him to continue as abbot and earnestly asked him to reconsider.
This led to a slight increase in tension since no conclusion was reached. There were many proposals and objections from disciples of both temples in several rounds. At one point, monks from Wat Phra That Muen Hin requested that no photos or videos be taken inside the reception room by monks or disciples and strictly prohibited public dissemination of any images from the negotiations.
During the negotiations, Mr. Chanawut Uttho, also known as "A. Link," a Member of Parliament for Kalasin District 6 from the Pheu Thai Party and a close disciple of Luang Pu Sila, called in on a monk's phone from Wat Phra That Muen Hin to share his views. He urged disciples from both sides to collaboratively resolve three issues: 1. Luang Pu Sila should not serve as abbot of both temples; 2. He should serve as the monastic chairman for both temples; and 3. His name should remain on the household registry of Wat Phra That Muen Hin. He emphasized that the final decision rested with Luang Pu Sila.
After over an hour of discussion, some issues remained unresolved because Wat Phra That Muen Hin wanted Luang Pu Sila to hold at least one position, such as honorary advisory chairman or monastic chairman, and to appoint acting abbots for both temples. However, Luang Pu Sila firmly declined to accept any position. The meeting continued with several other proposals and discussions.
Ultimately, a preliminary compromise was proposed: after Luang Pu Sila resigns as abbot of Wat Phra That Muen Hin, he would remain a monk at that temple and keep his name on its household registry. Meanwhile, he would reside and perform religious duties at Wat Suan Tham Piti, acting as a patron for both temples. This arrangement was intended to reconcile differences and satisfy all parties involved.