Ms.Yindee Phantuna
Mother Yindee teaches that the essence of Dhamma transcends religion, culture, and background. True peace arises from within, through mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom.
Her life shows that anyone seeking freedom from suffering can benefit from meditation, mindful living, and selfless service, regardless of faith. When one cultivates inner peace, it naturally spreads outward, touching families, communities, and the world.
“Peace begins in the heart, and when we live with kindness and clarity, it extends to all beings.” — Mother Yindee
Mother Yindee : A Life of Devotion, Education, and Dhamma
Born on October 17, 1938, in Mai Riang Subdistrict, Chawang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Mother Yindee devoted her life to education, compassion, and the spreading of Dhamma. She is the loving mother of three children:
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Mr. Prasert Udhayachalerm
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Ms. Kulwadee Udhayachalerm
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Ms. Atinuch Suksod
A lifelong learner, she graduated from Suan Sunandha Teachers College with a Higher Certificate of Education (Por Kor Sor – High Level), and later earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Ramkhamhaeng University as part of its first graduating class.
A Visionary in Education
In 1980, Mother Yindee began her journey in private education by founding Kheha Khlong Chan School. Her vision quickly grew beyond one school, and by 1989 she had established Yindee Witthaya School and Yindee Witthaya Kindergarten in Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. Her mission extended far beyond academics; she aimed to cultivate kindness, mindfulness, and moral integrity in every student.
In 2001, she expanded her work to Surat Thani Province, where she founded Thewasorn Surat School and Theerasorn Phunphin School, continuing her lifelong dedication to nurturing both intellect and heart through compassionate education
Turning Toward Dhamma
Throughout her career, Mother Yindee held a deep aspiration to establish a meditation center, a peaceful refuge for spiritual practice. Each year, she led teachers and students to join annual Dhamma retreats, inspiring many to live with greater mindfulness and compassion.
Her long-cherished dream began to manifest when her son, Master Prasert Uthaichalerm, ordained as a monk in 2006 at The Young Buddhists Association of Thailand (under Royal Patronage) in Pathum Thani. Under the guidance of Venerable Ajahn Nuanjan Kittipanyo, Master Prasert began to teach and share the Dhamma throughout Thailand.
Around the same time, Mother Yindee was preparing to purchase land in Surat Thani to expand her school. She decided to dedicate part of this land to create a meditation retreat center, which became Suan Yindee Dhamma. The center was officially inaugurated on March 1, 2018, as a sanctuary for mindfulness practice and Dhamma study.
Though Ajarn Prasert had returned to lay life by then, he continued to lead retreat programs under “Makkhanuka – The Path Follower”, bringing authentic Buddhist teachings to practitioners from all walks of life.
A Heart Devoted to Dhamma
Later, Mother Yindee deepened her Dhamma practice and became a devoted supporter of Luang Por Ian (Phra Khru Vinai Thon Mahasongsak Winotako), a revered disciple of Ajahn Buddhadasa. She dedicated her time, energy, and resources to help complete Sunyata Vihara at Wang Santi Vipassana Center in Phatthalung Province, continuing her lifelong mission to support sincere spiritual practice.
After six years of nurturing Suan Yindee Dhamma, she began creating a second meditation sanctuary, Suan Yindee Talay, in Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, in 2014. With unwavering faith and compassion, she poured her heart into every step, calling it “a place of true peace and inner freedom.
Many generous supporters joined her vision, inspired by her kindness and determination, helping transform the land into a refuge for those who seek liberation through mindfulness and wisdom.
Suan Yindee Talay began hosting meditation retreats in December 2013 and was officially inaugurated on March 15, 2015. Since then, it has welcomed countless practitioners to practice Vipassana, study the Four Noble Truths, and walk the Noble Eightfold Path in a spirit of peace, simplicity, and selfless giving.**
A Legacy of Compassion and Faith
We rejoice in the noble intentions and compassionate actions of Mother Yindee, whose life has been devoted to upholding and sharing the Buddha’s teachings. Her faith, generosity, and loving-kindness continue to inspire all who walk the path of mindfulness and peace.
Through her gentle Dhamma talks, drawn from her own life and deep spiritual practice, she has shared timeless wisdom that transcends cultures and beliefs.
To have founded not one, but two Buddhist meditation centers in Thailand is a rare and extraordinary act of devotion and courage. Her vision has created lasting sanctuaries where truth, peace, and compassion continue to blossom.
As she once said during the building of Suan Yindee Talay:
“Before I die, I will build the best meditation center I possibly can, so that people may come to learn and practice Dhamma with true happiness.”
Her life remains a shining example of selfless giving, spiritual strength, and unwavering faith in the path to awakening.