Tourism
Ayutthaya Temples See Surge in Visitors Following Recent News
Despite recent legal developments involving a former abbot, major temples in Ayutthaya continue to attract significant crowds of tourists and worshippers.
On September 13, 2026, reports from Khaosod Online indicated that popular religious sites in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, including Wat Phanan Choeng and Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, remain busy with visitors during the holiday period.
Notably, Wat Phutthaisawan has experienced a higher-than-usual influx of tourists and locals following recent news regarding the arrest of its former abbot. Local vendors observed that while the temple previously attracted many followers of the former abbot for specific rituals, the current demographic has shifted toward general tourists and members of the public visiting the site.
For travelers and residents, this suggests that religious tourism in the region remains resilient. Most visitors appear to distinguish between their personal faith and the actions of specific individuals, continuing their planned visits to these historic landmarks. While the atmosphere remains active, it is worth noting that the long-term impact of these events on the temple's traditional practices, such as the trade of sacred amulets associated with the former abbot, remains to be seen. Visitors planning a trip to Ayutthaya should expect continued high foot traffic at major temples and are encouraged to check local updates for any changes in site accessibility or specific temple regulations.