This article presents the biography of former monk Yantira Amorophikku, also known as Vinai Laongsuwan, a well-known preacher who was deeply respected in both Thailand and internationally during his lifetime.
On 9 March 2025, at Suññatā Forest Monastery in Prang Phlo Subdistrict, Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province, Phra Phrom Wachiramonkol, abbot of Ratchathiwat Ratchaworawihan Temple in Bangkok, presided over the cremation ceremony. Former monk Yantira Amorophikku (Vinai Laongsuwan) The ceremony was attended by monks, novices, maechis, disciples, both Thai and foreign, and thousands of Buddhists who revered Phra Yantira Amorophikku, as previously reported.
Phra Ajahn Yantira, born Vinai Laongsuwan, was born into a compassionate and generous family under the shadow of Buddhism on 14 October 1951 at Ban Ton Hat, Pak Phanang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. He was the youngest child of Ruang and Thanom Laongsuwan, among eight siblings.
During childhood, Vinai was warmly cared for by his parents and siblings. He regularly accompanied them to the temple, developing a compassionate nature and love for friends. His family lived a Buddhist way of life stretching back to his grandparents' generation.
He completed primary education at Municipal School 1 and lower secondary at Pak Phanang School in Nakhon Si Thammarat. He then moved to Bangkok to prepare for military academy exams but did not pass, so he continued high school. After graduating, he attended Bangkok Technical College, majoring in Hotel and Tourism Management, and later worked briefly at Dusit Thani Hotel.
Before ordination, while in Bangkok, he observed social injustices and the uncertainty of worldly life. This led him to study philosophy and religion, training his mind until he found spiritual enlightenment. He renounced lay life, choosing a free, ascetic lifestyle as a yogi dressed in white (reflecting his Brahmin ancestral heritage), practicing celibacy and meditation. He traveled to suitable places for solitude, focusing on seclusion. He consulted many teachers and respected monks, including Luang Pu Suk of Wat Ram Pradit, Phra Kru Sutham Samacharn (Por Than Cheuang), Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, Luang Pu Khao, Luang Pu Chob, Luang Pu Phang, and Luang Pu Dul. He lived as a yogi nearly four years (1971–1973).
On 6 May 1974, on the full moon night of the sixth lunar month, coinciding with Visakha Bucha Day, he was ordained at Rattanaram Temple (Bang Bo), Pak Phanang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. His preceptor was Phra Kru Sathit Sriracharn, with Phra Kru Sutham Samacharn as the chanting teacher and Phra Kru Suthon as the chanting companion. Over 22 rains retreats, he resided in caves, forests, mountains, and empty houses. After the rains retreats, he traveled to teach Dhamma to laypeople throughout Thailand and abroad, spending some retreats in Europe.
In 1988, he went to California, USA, to care for his ailing sister who later passed away. In 1997, he was granted political refugee status in the United States and later became a U.S. citizen by law. In 2023, he returned to Thailand for his 72nd birthday celebration at Suññatā Monastery in Keringkrawea, Kanchanaburi Province, and in Pak Phanang, Nakhon Si Thammarat. He also visited disciples in southern, eastern, central, and northern Thailand before returning to the United States.
In late 2024, he traveled to Mongolia and Vietnam upon invitation from Dr. Huong, a Vietnamese national, for a tribute event. On 14 October 2025, he traveled to India and Nepal with a group from 12 to 24 February for religious activities and to pay respects at the four sacred Buddhist sites. He returned to Thailand before heading back to the United States on 5 March 2025. He peacefully passed away on 9 March 2025 at age 73 years, 4 months, and 8 days.