AYUTTHAYA, THAILAND – A senior Buddhist abbot from the historic city of Ayutthaya has been missing for more than a month, prompting an urgent search by police.
Mysterious disappearance of the abbot
The missing monk, Phra Khru Palad Sombat Sirisuwanno, headed the Sanam Chai temple in Ayutthaya. He had not been heard from since 18 March, when all contact abruptly stopped.
Concerned relatives reported him missing to police on 7 April. Investigators began analysing video footage to reconstruct his movements across the country.
A journey marked by sudden changes
According to the report, the abbot initially set out to take his mentally ill son from Ratchaburi to Khon Kaen, where the boy’s mother lives. A temple attendant said the monk planned to return immediately afterwards to prepare for an upcoming ordination ceremony.
The son arrived safely in Khon Kaen, but his father never returned to Ayutthaya. On the way back, the abbot abruptly changed his plans and asked to be taken to Chiang Mai instead.
Trail ends at provincial bus terminal
Because his regular driver did not have time to continue the trip, the monk switched to another car that took him to Tak province. Cameras recorded him at a petrol station there and later while he was crossing a bridge.
He was last seen on 18 March at the bus terminal in Phitsanulok. Around 10:30 a.m., he got onto a motorbike taxi and disappeared into heavy city traffic.
Unusual conduct alarms religious guardians
Religious overseers expressed concern about the monk’s highly unorthodox behaviour. An abbot of his rank normally never travelled alone, but was accompanied by close confidants.
This time, he had arranged all his transport privately and travelled without attendants. There had reportedly been no conflict at the temple, although the abbot had often complained about health problems.
Financial pressure and fear of new rules
Temple finances also came under scrutiny after his disappearance. About 100,000 baht earmarked for a construction project had already been partially spent, while the abbot was believed to be carrying personal funds.
His son suspected that growing pressure from new bureaucratic rules on money management had become overwhelming. He feared that the psychological strain might have driven his father to run away.
Desperate plea from the abbot’s son
In an emotional message, the son urged his father to send any sign that he was still alive.
“If the burden of the position is too heavy, you should simply come back,”
said his son, the abbot’s child.
He stressed that his father did not have to continue as a monk.
“You can live as an ordinary civilian and lead a quiet life. We only want to know that you are still alive,”
said the son, appealing for his safe return.