Tourism Minister Says Wat Putthaiwattanaram Sanctuary Unharmed by Monk Scandal

Suraskul highlighted Wat Putthaiwattanaram as a historically important temple housing sacred relics venerated by Ayutthaya residents, asserting that most visitors do not pay respects to individuals with legal problems and that personal misconduct should be separated from the temple's sanctity. At 10:55 a.m. on September 11, 2025, at Government House, Suraskul Phanjariangwonkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports and Phrai Mongkut Party provincial coordinator for Ayutthaya, addressed the case of a former abbot of Wat Putthaiwattanaram charged with drug possession and extortion. He noted that several previous abbots such as Phra Kru Phattakij Sophon and Luang Pu Huay were deeply revered by Ayutthaya residents, and the temple possesses significant history with royal monuments of various Ayutthaya-era kings, sacred reclining Buddha statues, and beautiful architecture, particularly a pagoda on the Chao Phraya riverbank. Suraskul expressed confidence that the temple's sanctity and its historical significance will continue to command the faith of tourists and residents alike. When asked whether the abbot case would become a faith crisis damaging ancient site tourism in Ayutthaya, Suraskul responded that monastic controversies are not new and have occurred continuously. He stated that most visitors to Wat Putthaiwattanaram come to venerate the sacred reclining Buddha in the main hall, and that only a small group believes in occult practices. He expressed confidence that people will continue to visit Ayutthaya Province and pay respects to the temple's sacred sites.