Indian YouTuber Removed From Thai Temple Over Unauthorized Stay

The abbot of Wat Pho Si Pho, Phra Racha Saar Kosol (Wongthai Suwaphso), who also serves as the Udon Thani Provincial Patriarch, said the temple has clear regulations: the gates are locked at 9 p.m., and anyone wishing to stay overnight must first obtain permission from the abbot or the person in charge. The Indian YouTuber, identified as “Bonsi”, had visited several temples seeking permission to sleep on the grounds before arriving at Wat Pho Si Pho. He pitched his tent between the sermon hall and the monks’ quarters, next to the main chapel, without first meeting or asking the abbot for approval. When temple staff discovered him after the 9 p.m. curfew and told him to leave, he refused to go and asked to speak with the abbot. The temple then contacted the Udon Thani city police and the tourist police, who mediated for about an hour. After the discussion, the YouTuber agreed to pack his belongings and depart. The abbot emphasized that the temple is not unkind and is willing to assist those in need, but visitors must respect the rules and understand decorum. He noted that, as guests in a foreign country, travelers should follow the regulations of the place and the laws of the nation so that everyone can coexist peacefully. Police Lieutenant Colonel Preeda Misatham of the Tourist Police Division said that a check of the visitor’s documents and passport showed he had entered Thailand legally on a 60‑day tourist visa, arriving on 12 September and with the visa set to expire on 10 November 2069. The tourist initially claimed he had received permission from a novice monk inside the temple to stay overnight, but verification revealed that the novice lacked the authority to grant such permission and was not aware of the temple’s specific regulations. When the matter reached senior monks and the abbot, an order was issued denying overnight stay. Temple monks were instructed to coordinate with the relevant parties to escort the tourist off the premises because his presence violated temple rules. Preeda added that while some temples may be flexible and allow travelers to stay in certain cases, Wat Pho Si Pho is a royal monastery with explicit regulations: the gates are locked and secured at 9 p.m., and overnight stays by outsiders are prohibited without prior authorization from the responsible authority. The temple has tightened access controls after past incidents of thieves entering to steal property, making strict opening and closing times a security measure. During the conversation with the YouTuber, officers advised him to…