Found! Phra Khru Plad Sambutti, Abbot of Sanam Chai Temple, Cycles North and Hitchhikes Back to Bangkok, Reports Safe to Police
Missing Bangkok abbot Phra Khru Plad Sambutti has been found safe after cycling north through Thailand and hitchhiking back to Bangkok, where he turned himself in to police. The monk, who departed his Ayutthaya temple in March, expressed hi
Found! Phra Khru Plad Sambutti Sirisuwanno, abbot of Sanam Chai Temple, has presented himself to Bang Rak police station. The monk has expressed his wish to no longer serve as abbot.
On May 5, 2569, reporters followed up on the disappearance of Phra Khru Plad Sambutti Sirisuwanno, abbot of Sanam Chai Temple in Ban Pom subdistrict, Ayutthaya province. Officials have now located him after the monk voluntarily appeared at Bang Rak police station for questioning.
Initially, Phra Khru Plad Sambutti Sirisuwanno indicated his desire to resign from his position as abbot, though formal details regarding the reasons remain unclear.
Investigation revealed that following his disappearance, Phra Khru departed Phitsanulok railway station on March 18, 2569, traveling to a forest monastery in Phitsanulok to prepare for monastic leave. He then purchased a bicycle and cycled through Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces before hitchhiking back to Bangkok. Upon arrival, he presented himself to police and subsequently was collected by Ayutthaya provincial police.
Authorities are continuing to interview him and gather additional details. The reasons behind his monastic leave remain under investigation.
This appearance resolves the disappearance case that had caused concern among villagers and relatives for an extended period. Further details regarding Phra Khru Plad Sambutti Sirisuwanno's departure from the temple are awaited from questioning and disclosure.
