Condolences for Luang Pu Thiwa Aphakaro, Assistant Abbot of Wat Pathum Wanaram, who passed away at Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, aged 93 with 67 years in monkhood.
On 16 July 2026, it was reported that the fan pageWat Pathum Wanaram Ratchaworawihanposted a message stating that Wat Pathum Wanaram and the monastic community of Wat Pathum Wanaram
express their condolences for the passing of the venerable Phra Ajarn Thiwa Aphakaro, Assistant Abbot of Wat Pathum Wanaram, who passed away at Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society at 16:15 on 16 July 2026, aged 93 with 67 years in monkhood.
is set for 18 July 2026,
at the Phra Ratchasattha Pavilion, Wat Pathum Wanaram, Pathumwan Subdistrict, Pathumwan District, Bangkok.
The ceremony will begin from 10:00 to 16:00.
Regarding the biography, “Luang Pu Thiwa Aphakaro” Assistant Abbot of Wat Pathum Wanaram, was born on 4 March 1933. He was a former naval officer (rank of Lieutenant Commander) who was ordained as a monk in 1958 at Wat Pathum Wanaram, Bangkok. His preceptor was Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana, the Supreme Patriarch (Chuan Uthayi) of Wat Makutkasatriyaram, who was then Somdet Phra Maha Wirawong. He was given the monastic title “Aphakaro,” meaning “one who causes light.”
Dhamma studies and serving spiritual teachers
In 1958, he requested permission from Phra Rajamuni (Hom Sophono) of Wat Pathum Wanaram to practice meditation at Wat Khao Sai Sa-yan in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. There he met Luang Pu Somchai Thitiviriyo (Phra Wisutthiyan Thera) and practiced meditation intensively during that rainy season, which deepened his faith. He then resigned from military service to fully devote himself to meditation and followed Luang Pu Somchai on ascetic wanderings for many years.
In 1977, he invited Luang Pu Lui Chantasaro to receive treatment and reside at Suan Pathum Phawana in Pathum Thani Province. During that rainy season, he served and studied Vipassana meditation under Luang Pu Lui and practiced according to his teacher’s discipline.
Religious activities within Thailand
In 1987, he officially began teaching practical Dhamma to disciples, instructing in the practice of “Anapanasati of the Vipassana tradition,” attracting many followers to practice according to his teachings.
In 1990, he served as the monastic chairman for organizing the royal cremation ceremony of Luang Pu Lui Chantasaro at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Woramahawihan in Bang Khen District, Bangkok.
In 2019, he was the monastic chairman for organizing the royal cremation ceremony of Luang Pu Boonrit Pandito at Wat Pa Phuritat Patiparam in Pathum Thani Province.
Religious activities abroad
In 1981, he was sent as a Buddhist missionary abroad for the first time to Australia under the directive of Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch.
In 1991, he became the first Dhammayut monk missionary to propagate Buddhism in Germany and initiated the establishment of Wat Buddhabancha Phon, the first Thai temple in Langenselbold, Hessen, foreseeing the growth of Buddhism in Europe.
In 2016, he moved to Wat Luang Pho Sai in Biebergemuend city to serve as a center for spreading Buddhism throughout Europe, continuing to the present.
Information from Wat Pathum Wanaram Ratchaworawihan