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Published on October 11, 2007

Siriraj Hospital said he died from a lung infection and kidney failure.

"His death is a huge loss to Buddhism in this country," said Phra Khru Sukanthaseel, abbot of the Umong Temple in Chiang Mai.

"He was a good monk with good thoughts and good behaviour. He is an exemplary model for both monks and laymen," the abbot added.

Phra Panyanandha spent about 11 years at the Umong Temple before moving to Cholpratan Rangsarait Temple in Nonthaburi.

During his years at Chiang Mai he never missed delivery of a holy day sermon.

"Thousands of people came to listen to him. It's a phenomenon we don't see these days," Phra Khru Sukanthaseel said.

Well-known preacher Phra Phayom Kallayano described Phra Panyanandha as his role model.

"I have been following his example for the past 39 years," he said.

Phra Phayom learned from the revered monk's writings, which he found reached to the core of the faith.

Somchai Samanvong, the founder of Raghungthong Publishing and a follower of Phra Panyanandha, said the monk lived an untarnished life.

"He is the monk in my heart. He is a respected figure and a leader in Buddhism," Somchai said.

Somchai was once a temple boy at a Chumphon temple and Phra Panyanandha's inspiration led him to start his business. He publishes Phra Panyanandha's writings and other Buddhist texts.