Culture
Followers of Former Abbot Gather at Wat Phutthaisawan to 'Cleanse' Grounds
Supporters of the late Luang Phor Huan held a symbolic cleansing ceremony at Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya to protest recent controversies involving a monk known as 'Sami Chot'.
On September 14, 2026, a group of over ten followers of the late Luang Phor Huan, the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan in Ayutthaya, gathered at the temple to perform a symbolic cleansing ritual. According to Khaosod Online, the group splashed water around the living quarters associated with a monk referred to as 'Sami Chot', stating their intention was to 'wash away bad luck and inauspicious elements' following recent scandals that have drawn public attention to the site.
Carrying signs demanding the restoration of the temple’s legacy to Luang Phor Huan, the group expressed a desire to reclaim the atmosphere of the temple for traditional Buddhist activities. They argued that the temple should be a place for spiritual merit rather than internal conflict or factionalism.
For travelers and residents, the temple remains open, and the site continues to attract visitors interested in the ongoing developments surrounding the monk's quarters. While the followers have made their grievances public, the internal administrative status of the temple and the final outcome of the controversies surrounding 'Sami Chot' remain to be confirmed by relevant authorities. Visitors are advised to remain respectful of the ongoing religious activities and the sensitive nature of the current situation within the temple grounds.
