In a royal project, monks from Wat Phai Lom held a Dhamma lecture at Koh Samui Prison, fostering wisdom and spiritual development among inmates and guards.
The “Gampang Jai” project, initiated under the patronage of Somdet Phra Chao Luk Thoe Chao Fa Patcharakitiyapha, brings together the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Prisons and Vat Phai Lom Phra Aram Luang in Nakhon Pathom. This second edition aims to promote virtue, morality and spiritual elevation among inmates, enabling them to apply Buddhist teachings in their daily lives and social reintegration.
Luang Phra Khrupad Sittiwat, known as Luang Phi Nam Fon, acting abbot of Vat Phai Lom, led the session via Zoom, broadcast to 39 prisons and detention centres. The event took place in person at Koh Samui Prison in Surat Thani Province, with the participation of Kesem Salyawut, prison director, Jesda Nu Kliao, head of surveillance, and Komol Nukruk, responsible for education and spiritual development.
Male and female inmates, as well as prison staff, followed the teachings. The Good Luck musical group, led by To Kala, performed Dhamma-inspired songs to relax the atmosphere and engage Thai and foreign prisoners.
Luang Phi Nam Fon shared testimonies from released ex-inmates, explaining the causes of suffering, the paths of learning and the ways to its cessation. He emphasised simple principles such as “living correctly, being content with little and waiting patiently”, helping to cultivate inner peace during incarceration.
“Many ex-inmates have overcome these trials, returned to society with stability and a mindset that keeps them from going back to prison. Proactive Buddhist teachings thus enter prisons for lasting rehabilitation.”
This initiative strengthens spiritual resilience, transforming prison sentences into opportunities for personal and social growth.