Ayutthaya: The abbot's residence at Wat Phutthaisawan has been closed to the public, while the main temple building remains open for worship. This move comes amid significant changes in the temple's leadership, as police from the Crime Suppression Division have cordoned off the residence, barring entry and exit.

According to Thai News Agency, the quiet atmosphere at the temple in Ayutthaya province this morning was marked by police sealing the door of the abbot's residence with stickers. This follows an order from the Provincial Chief Monk of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, who has appointed an acting abbot for the royal temple. The changes were necessitated after Phra Wachirayan, the former abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan, disrobed on September 10, 2026.

As a result, Phra Pipat Sasana Kitwithan, the abbot of Wat Tha Karong and the deputy provincial ecclesiastical head of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, has been named the acting abbot of Wat Phutthaisawan. Despite the leadership transition, the main chapel and other parts of the temple are accessible to the public for regular worship.

Visitors to the temple expressed mixed feelings, with some initially doubting the news of the changes. However, they emphasized the importance of distinguishing between issues related to the temple and those concerning individual monks.