Venerable Khun Phromwachirathilek of Northeast Thailand Passes Away
Venerable Phromwachirathilek, a respected Buddhist elder and former abbot of Wat Pa Saeng Arun in Khon Kaen, passed away peacefully on August 12 at age 80 after 60 years of monastic life. The senior monk was known for his devotion to Buddhi
Buddhists in Khon Kaen held deep respect and devotion for Venerable Phromwachirathilek (Saman Sumetho) of Wat Pa Saeng Arun temple throughout his monastic life, as he exemplified the virtues that monks and laypeople aspired to follow. On the night of August 12, 2026, news came of his peaceful passing at the temple's sterile cell due to age-related illness. He was 80 years old with 60 years of ordained monastic life, leaving his students and disciples deeply saddened by his death.
Venerable Phromwachirathilek was a senior Buddhist elder, former abbot of Wat Pa Saeng Arun, and former advisor to the Sangha Regional Administration District 9 (Thammayut). Originally named Saman Ubonphittahk, he was born on November 23, 1945, in Leingpuay village, Phra Lap subdistrict, Muang district, Khon Kaen province. He completed primary education through fourth grade at a local government school.
He was ordained as a novice on July 18, 1959, at Wat Si Chan temple in Muang district, with Venerable Winaisunetmedhi as his preceptor. He diligently studied Buddhist scriptures and in 1961 passed examinations to become a Dharma scholar at the first level, then second and third levels in 1964. He completed full monastic ordination on November 12, 1965, at Wat Si Chan temple.
He served as a teacher of Buddhist studies at several institutions and held numerous administrative positions within the Sangha hierarchy. From 1978 onwards, he served as abbot of Wat Pa Saeng Arun and later became deputy and then chief administrator of Khon Kaen province's Buddhist affairs. By 1998, he had risen to chief administrator of Regional District 9 (Thammayut), eventually becoming an advisor to that same district in 1975.
As an exemplary monk committed to Buddhist discipline and ethics, he contributed significantly to Buddhist education and social welfare. His achievements earned him numerous honors, including honorary doctorates in Educational Administration from the Northeast Thailand University in 2007 and in Buddhist Studies from Maha Makut Royal University. He also received recognition for his outstanding contribution to religious and public welfare activities from the Supreme Patriarch.
