Controversial Suññataram California Monastery leader has died, was defrocked due to sexual, financial crimes

The official Facebook page of Suññataram California Monastery in Escondido’s Wat Sunyataram at Escondido, California, posted photos and a message on Sunday afternoon, March 9, 2025, confirming the death of Phra Yantra, the President of the temple.

The temple’s message read: “With deepest sympathy, we send our respects as we guide Phra Ajarn Yantra Amaro, President and spiritual leader of Wat Sunyataram, to Nirvana. Phra Yantra passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Wat Sunyataram, Escondido, at the age of 73, after 51 years of ordination.”

Disgraced, expelled from the monkhood for sexual misconduct and forced to flee overseas, eventually re-surfacing at Escondido, Yantra, born Winai La-ongsuwan on October 14, 1951, was ordained at Wat Rattanaram in Pak Phanang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, in 1974 and adopted the name Yantra, meaning “one who is distant from desires.”

According to Thai Rath newspaper, people from all over the country flocked to Sanam Luang in Bangkok “to listen to a sermon given by a handsome monk with a beautiful voice”, Phra Yantra.

Yantra became widely known for spreading Buddhist teachings and attracting a large following, particularly at Wat Pa Sunyataram in Kanchanaburi, where he earned the respect of both local and international devotees. Yantra often returned to Thailand in October to celebrate his birthday since the criminal defamation case against him expired in 2014.

However, his reputation later faced serious allegations, including luring women and engaging in sexual relationships with several. One woman even came forward with a young girl, claiming the child was Phra Yantra’s. Evidence, including photos of them living together as husband and wife, was revealed, and a DNA test was proposed.

In 1994, he faced a series of accusations, including defaming the Supreme Patriarch, a criminal charge under the Sangha Act, and having sex, a violation of monkhood, with his nocturnal visits being captured on video.

Further investigation uncovered credit card receipts showing that donations from followers were used at sex establishments in Australia and New Zealand, leading to multiple legal cases against him in 1994.

In response, the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand found him guilty of conduct unbecoming a monk and decided to disrobe Phra Yantra. However, he refused to accept this decision, declaring that he remained a monk. He changed his robe to green.

Later, it was reported that he allegedly obtained a fake passport and fled to the United States, where he was granted asylum and continued to perform as a monk.

Suññataram California Monastery, 9560 W Lilac Rd., Escondido, California, 92026,