At 9:30 a.m. on May 18, 2025, Pol. Lt. Satchanan Bangsai, deputy inspector at Mueang Nakhon Phanom Police Station, received a report of a death at a three-story commercial building near Chaophraya Intersection in downtown Nakhon Phanom. Medical staff, rescue teams, and police were dispatched to the scene.
The deceased was identified as Mrs. Charoensri Arunprakan, 80, a respected meditation teacher known among her students as “Ajarn Mae.” She lived alone on the second floor of the building, which houses the Power of Mindfulness Institute No. 123, affiliated with Wat Mahathat. The ground floor was rented out as a clothing shop. Relatives reside in Bangkok.
Concerned neighbors alerted police after noticing she hadn’t appeared for two days. Typically, disciples took turns hanging food bags by her side door. Suspicious that the door was locked from the inside, a disciple climbed over and discovered her body in a peaceful, meditative posture on her bed. Water bottles and medicine packets were nearby. No signs of foul play were found, and CCTV footage confirmed she had been alone.
Community leaders confirmed she had no local relatives. Her body was sent to Nakhon Phanom Hospital to await claim by family for traditional rites.
Charoensri was known for her deep devotion to Buddhism and was a disciple of Venerable Viriyang Sirintharo of Wat Dhammamongkol, Bangkok. She established the 123rd branch of the Power of Mindfulness Institute in Nakhon Phanom, one of 324 global branches, and donated over 10 rai (approx. 4 acres) of land worth 20 million baht for its development.
Despite her wealth—reportedly over 1 billion baht in assets including commercial buildings and more than 100 rai of land—she lived humbly and devoted herself to spiritual practice. She suffered from hypertension but adhered strictly to medical advice and meditated regularly.
Relatives and close disciples described her as charitable and kind. While some mentioned the possibility of a will donating her assets to charity, they expressed support and respect for her wishes. Her body is being kept at Wat Sri Thep Pradittharam, where funeral rites will continue until the cremation ceremony on May 21, 2025.