Temple Abbot Appeals for Calm in Longstanding Dispute

The abbot of Wat Pa Adulyaram is urging people involved in an ongoing dispute to stay calm, control their emotions, and speak carefully. He has confirmed the temple and monastic order will not file counter-lawsuits regardless of how many cases they face.

On August 15, 2025, reporters visited the temple in the Kangsadal community in Khon Kaen, where monks and relatives continued normal religious activities under strict police and administrative security measures. Monks maintained their morning alms rounds, and community members continued their daily practice of offering food to the monks.

Abbot Phra Kru Adulasart Nithes said that everything that arises must pass away, and he wants the public to remain calm and not stress over the situation. Even he himself is not worried, he said, so he does not want supporters to be anxious. He asked everyone to smile and be at ease, noting that obstacles are a natural part of life for both the monastic and lay communities.

The abbot said that if someone speaks unkindly, those are their words alone, since everyone has a voice and can speak. He called on all parties to view each other as fellow humans, offer forgiveness, and recognize that disagreement is ordinary and can happen to anyone.

"Let the past remain in the past and not be spoken of," he said. "Right now, I ask all supporters to be at ease and not overly stressed. I have heard that local residents living near the temple have followed this news so closely that their eyes are red from crying, which makes me feel compassion for them. I ask that you not be overstressed by what has happened. I confirm that the temple is not going anywhere and I am not going anywhere. We continue to wish to provide warmth, assistance, and spiritual guidance to all our supporters."

The abbot recalled that during the lower court and appeals court hearings, the opposing side brought 60 to 70 people each time, while his side brought only the abbot, deputy abbot, assistant abbot, and temple staff. When he attempted to speak with them, they fled and refused to speak with him, making dialogue and mutual understanding impossible.

He noted that without communication, it is impossible to know the other side's thinking, actions, or approach to managing the matter.

"I ask Pha Da to control her emotions, her words, and remain calm with all matters," he said. "She should not speak hastily or rapidly as if she cannot catch her breath, but rather speak slowly and consider each matter carefully. It exhausts everyone. The abbot has compassion for the media as well. May blessings be upon all."