Former Abbot of Sanam Chai Temple Opens Up About His Departure, Insists He Won't Return, Has Left Monkhood
Former abbot of Sanam Chai Temple in Ayutthaya has renounced his monastic vows and turned himself in to police, saying he's tired of temple life and won't return despite any offers.
Phra Khru Plad Sambat, the former abbot of Sanam Chai Temple in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, has explained his reasons for leaving the monkhood and firmly stated he will not return to temple life. He admitted to feeling "tired of many things" and wants to live a normal life.
After disappearing for over a month, the ex-abbot turned himself in to Bang Rak police station early morning on May 5th, asking to be arrested.
On May 6th, 2569 B.E., Pol. Lt. Col. Pongphop Prasombopichai, commander of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya police station, interviewed Somsat Khlai Jindah, the former abbot.
Somsat revealed during the interview that he has decided to renounce his monastic vows and will no longer be involved with the temple. He firmly stated that even if offered a position to return, he would refuse because his decision is final.
He also acknowledged that the main reason for his decision stemmed from a feeling of being "tired of many things" that accumulated during his time as the temple's abbot, which led him to choose a normal life instead. However, he admitted uncertainty about how to proceed with his future.
Meanwhile, Pol. Lt. Col. Pongphop expressed concern about the former abbot's adjustment to civilian life, noting that having spent many years living in the temple, he may face significant challenges adapting to work and financial independence.