Escondido: The legend of the former Phra Yantra has ended as he passed away at the age of 73 at a temple in the United States. The former monk, one of the most prominent figures in the Thai Sangha, died at Wat Sunyataram in Escondido, California.
According to Thai News Agency, the announcement came via a Facebook post from Wat Sunyataram, which shared a photo and message expressing condolences and the wish for Venerable Yantra Amoro, head monk and spiritual leader of the temple, to reach Nirvana. The post confirmed that he passed away on March 9, 2025, marking 51 years of monkhood. Many disciples and followers have shared their respects online.
The report also highlights that relatives are arranging to transport the former Phra Yantra’s body back to Thailand for religious rites. The initial plan is for the rites to be held at the Sunyataram Forest Monastery in Kanchanaburi Province, though this is yet to be finalized. Coordination with disciples is ongoing.
A close disciple from his hometown recounted that on the morning of his passing, a disciple went to call him for a meal in the United States, only to find him deceased peacefully in his room.
Mr. Winai La-ongsuwan, known as the former Phra Yantra, was a renowned monk born on October 14, 1951, in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. He was ordained in the Thammayut sect in 1974. His influence led to the establishment of several monasteries and temples in Thailand and abroad, notably the Sunyataram Forest Monastery in Kanchanaburi.
In 1994, allegations of sexual misconduct were brought against him, leading to his expulsion from the monkhood by the Sangha Supreme Council. Disagreeing with the expulsion, he altered his monk attire and relocated to the United States, securing political refugee status.
After staying in the United States for over two decades and once the statute of limitations on his case expired in 2014, Phra Yantra made occasional returns to Thailand, with the last visit recorded on February 6.
