Former Wat Sanam Chai Abbot Opens Up: Disrobed Due to Stress and Burnout from Monastery Duties
Former Wat Sanam Chai abbot Tid Sombat disrobed after nearly two decades of stress and burnout, citing financial pressure and exhaustion rather than conflict with senior monks. He reappeared in Ayutthaya following a two-month journey throug
Former abbot Tid Sombat of Wat Sanam Chai has opened up about his decision to disrobe, citing stress and exhaustion from monastery duties rather than any conflict with senior monks. After disappearing for about two months, during which he traveled to northern Thailand and lived simply by bicycle and shelter, he reappeared in Ayutthaya where he was emotionally reunited with temple officials who embraced him tearfully.
Tid Sombat explained that his decision came after nearly 20 years of accumulated pressure from financial difficulties and temple responsibilities. He admitted to taking some temple funds but stated the amount was less than 100,000 baht and that he intends to resolve the matter with the temple and police. He traveled through Tak, Phitsanulok, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai, sleeping in shelters and at gas stations, and intentionally disconnected by discarding his phone.
The former abbot denied reports of conflict with the senior monk and emphasized that no one was at fault except himself for abandoning his duties due to stress and debt. He expressed gratitude to villagers for their concern and confirmed he is now safe, though still recovering physically and mentally. Police confirmed that no criminal charges have been filed since this was handled as a missing person case, and the matter has been resolved.
