Surasak highlighted Wat Phutthaisawan as an important historical temple featuring a sacred reclining Buddha and royal monuments of kings, confident it remains a place of faith. He believes people distinguish the issue as a personal matter related to Somichot.
At 10:55 a.m. on 11 September 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Surasak Phanjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and a leader from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province representing the Bhumjaithai Party, gave an interview at the Government House regarding the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, who was arrested by the Crime Suppression Division on charges of embezzlement and adultery, saying that previous former abbots of Wat Phutthaisawan, such as Phra Khru Phattharakitsophon or Luang Pu Hon, were respected by the people of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Moreover, this temple has historical significance, featuring royal monuments of several Ayutthaya kings, a sacred reclining Buddha, and beautiful architecture, especially the prang by the Chao Phraya River.
Mr. Surasak further stated, he believes the temple's sanctity remains trusted by tourists and locals alike, while the issues involving individuals are understood separately by the public. No matter how Buddhism may be misused by individuals, the religion itself never teaches such actions. He emphasized that Wat Phutthaisawan remains an important temple and that people continue to worship the sacred reclining Buddha and visit for tourism.
When asked whether this would cause a crisis of faith affecting tourism to Ayutthaya's historical sites, Mr. Surasak responded, that news involving the monastic community is not new and has occurred repeatedly. He believes most visitors to Wat Phutthaisawan do not come to worship individuals with problems but rather to pay respects to the reclining Buddha in the vihara. The individuals who committed wrongdoing are not connected to the principal Buddha image. He is confident that people will continue to visit Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and venerate the temple's sacred objects. .