In Memoriam: Venerable Luang Pu Bua Geht, Abbot of Wat Pa Pang Kuet

The Buddhist community mourns the passing of Venerable Luang Pu Bua Geht Patumsiro, former abbot of Wat Pa Pang Kuet Kitti Tham in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai, and former ecclesiastical advisor to the Thammayut sect in the Chiang Mai-Lamphun-Mae Hong Son region. He passed away peacefully at 9:29 AM on May 6, 2025, at Wat Pa Dara Phirom in Chiang Mai at the age of 92, with 72 Buddhist vows years. His health had declined gradually in his final years before his peaceful passing, causing deep sorrow among the faithful, as he was a highly respected meditation master beloved by the people of Northern Thailand. Born on May 31, 1934, in Banglamung District, Chon Buri, with the secular name Bua Geht Kitsupap Sirikul, he was ordained at age 20 at Wat Chong Lom on July 5, 1954. He studied Buddhist texts and became a teacher at Wat Chong Lom's school until 1968. In 1965, he became abbot of Wat Chong Lom in Pattaya, and in 1966, he received the ecclesiastical title "Phra Kru Phiphatthan Bannakij." He later traveled extensively throughout Eastern, Northeastern, and Northern Thailand, studying meditation under renowned masters including Luang Pu Tesk at Wat Hin Mak Peng in Nong Khai and Luang Ta Maha Bua Yannasampanno at Wat Pa Ban Tat in Udorn Thani. He eventually settled in Pang Kuet, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai, and founded several temples throughout Northern Thailand, including Wat Mae Pang, Wat Khao Nok Yung, and Wat Pa Kaew Nan Thon. On June 30, 2023, he was elevated to the rank of Phra Raj Khanakhana (Royal Sangha rank) with the ecclesiastical title Phra Racha Vatch Pathom Khun. In his later years, he suffered from heart disease and neurological complications, receiving royal patronage and care at Maharaj Nakhon Chiang Mai Hospital and Wat Pa Dara Phirom. The royal water sprinkling ceremony over his remains is scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2025.