Disciples of Late Abbot Gather at Putthai Temple for Cleansing Ritual

At 2:30 p.m. on September 14 at Putthai Sawan Temple in Ayutthaya province, disciples of the late Luang Por Huan, including a woman known as Pa Ayutthaya and a disciple named Lek Barcode, gathered with over 10 other former followers at the late abbot's hermitage—an area they described as significant to his legacy. The group carried signs reading "Reclaim Putthai Temple, Return It to Luang Pu Huan" and marched toward the hermitage of the controversial monk Somichote, then sprinkled water around the structure in what they called a ritual to "wash away bad luck and negative spiritual forces." They sought to restore the temple's atmosphere to what it had been when serving as a center for Buddhist practice under the late abbot's leadership.

Pa Ayutthaya stated the visit aimed to reclaim the temple for Luang Pu Huan and remove what she viewed as problems within the monastery, calling for monks to focus on building spiritual merit rather than creating division. Lek Barcode explained that the temple grounds were once forest and an important historical site in Ayutthaya's heritage, developed and restored by Luang Por Huan with community support. He said disciples now felt that the late abbot's contributions had been overshadowed and his hermitage forgotten, prompting them to seek recognition and renewal of his work.

At 3:00 p.m., the abbot of another temple acting as temporary administrator, along with monks and officials from the police, Fine Arts Department, and Ayutthaya Historical Park, met in the main chapel for approximately 30 minutes. Afterward, officials and clergy inspected Somichote's hermitage to assess the condition of structures and identify any additions or alterations that obscured the original site. Future steps include a comprehensive survey of the temple grounds and surrounding heritage areas, with possible removal of modern additions to restore the ancient monument's original character and aesthetic value.