Temple Becomes Surprise Pilgrimage Spot After Abbot's Dispute

On August 15, 2569, large numbers of visitors descended on Wat Pa Adulyaram in Khon Kaen province on their day off to take photos, tour the grounds, and offer encouragement to Abbot Phra Kru Adulya Sarn Nithesak, who is facing a property dispute with a landowner and battling kidney disease. Phasak Teua Prakone, who works at Khon Kaen University, said he traveled from Nakhon Ratchasima with friends after the temple made headlines throughout the past week. He noted that the incident has transformed Wat Pa Adulyaram into a new Instagram-worthy destination, drawing crowds and raising awareness of the temple across the country. The shop is called Miss-Sahaai and sells coffee.

Volunteers have come to help clean the expansive temple grounds, since the monks alone cannot manage the entire area. This effort represents support for Buddhism. Sirat Rata Chumchim, 47, said she came to encourage the abbot and then enjoyed the excellent coffee. She saw photos shared on Facebook and positive comments about the coffee shop, so she followed word-of-mouth to visit. She had passed the temple before as a student but never knew its full story; the news coverage prompted her return.

Tithivat Changphai, 32, owner of the Miss-Sahaai coffee shop, explained that he previously sold from a roadside spot 5–10 metres away. When the municipal government reorganized street vendors, he lost his original location. Seeing the vacant space near the temple entrance, he asked the abbot for permission to relocate, which was granted on the condition he keep the shop clean and tidy. "Since this incident started and rumors of demolition began, sales have jumped two to three times—nearly 300 cups a day," he said. "I am fortunate the abbot showed mercy. It feels like merit from good deeds done in the past. Many people come to take photos and buy coffee. I encourage the abbot to stay strong; these difficulties will pass."