Kruba Noi Yanwichai — affectionately called “the Little Saint” — was a monk of Na Noi in Nan Province who opened a neglected cave site and built it into Wat Tham Chetawan. He was a disciple of Kruba Boonchum Yanasamvaro, the revered northern master known as the “monk of three nations” for his cave retreats in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
From 2014 to 2017 Kruba Noi kept a solitary retreat inside Tham Chetawan cave — exactly three years, three months and three days — following the example of his teacher Kruba Boonchum.
The cave where he practised remains within the temple and has been made accessible, so that visitors can go down to pay their respects.
Kruba Noi at the temple today
Though he has passed, his likenesses and belongings remain at Wat Tham Chetawan for the faithful to honour.
A bronze statue raised on the very spot where his body was cremated.
A gilded effigy inscribed “Kruba Noi Yanwichai”, set in a brick shrine.
A second gilded effigy on a white pedestal, beneath a ceremonial umbrella.
A lifelike wax figure, made in his lifetime, among many of his belongings.
