Asset 20
Meditation Island
Story of
Ms.Yindee Phantuna
Founder’s Biography
Mother Yindee was born on October 17, 1938, in Mai Riang Subdistrict, Than Pho Station, Chawang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. She has three children: Mr. Prasert Uthaichalerm Ms. Kulwadee Uthaichalerm Ms. Atinuch Suksod
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, among the first graduating class. Her journey in private education began in 1980 at Kheha Khlong Chan School. By 1989, she expanded her vision by founding Yindee Witthaya School and Yindee Witthaya Kindergarten in Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. Later, in 2001, she extended her work to Surat Thani Province, establishing two more schools: Thewasorn Surat School Theerasorn Phunphin School
Throughout her career, Mother Yindee always held a deep aspiration to build a meditation center. She regularly led teachers and students under her care to participate in annual Dhamma retreats. That aspiration began to materialize when her son, Ajarn Prasert Uthaichalerm, ordained as a monk at The Young Buddhists Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, Pathum Thani Center, in 2006. He practiced under Venerable Ajahn Nuanjan Kittipanyo, a Vipassana master. As Phra Prasert Panyavaro, he soon began teaching and spreading Dhamma, leading meditation courses across Thailand.
At the same time, Mother Yindee was preparing to purchase land in Surat Thani to expand Theerasorn Surat School. She decided to dedicate part of this land for a meditation center, which was named Suan Yindee Dhamma. The center was officially opened on March 1, 2018. Although Ajarn Prasert had already returned to lay life by then, his Dhamma teachings continued actively, under the retreat program named “Makkhanuka – The Path Follower.”
Later, Mother Yindee began studying and practicing Dhamma more deeply. She became a devoted supporter of Luang Por Ian (Phra Khru Vinai Thon Mahasongsak Winotako), and helped complete the construction of Sunyata Vihara at Wang Santi Vipassana Center in Phatthalung Province—another spiritual refuge for Dhamma practice in the South. After six years of operating Suan Yindee Dhamma, in 2014, she began construction of a second meditation center: Suan Yindee Talay in Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. With deep commitment, she devoted her strength, heart, and resources to create a Dhamma center of the highest quality. Many generous individuals, seeing its purpose, joined in to bring this sanctuary to life—giving those who truly seek liberation the opportunity to practice in full.
After six years of operating Suan Yindee Dhamma, in 2014, she began construction of a second meditation center: Suan Yindee Talay in Sichon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. With deep commitment, she devoted her strength, heart, and resources to create a Dhamma center of the highest quality. Many generous individuals, seeing its purpose, joined in to bring this sanctuary to life—giving those who truly seek liberation the opportunity to practice in full.
Suan Yindee Talay began running meditation retreats in December 2013 and was officially inaugurated on March 15, 2015.
We wholeheartedly rejoice in the noble intentions and meritorious actions of Mother Yindee, who has helped uphold the Buddha’s teachings by creating spaces for true practice. Her work sets a rare example—showing the courage it takes to build something so meaningful. Through her insightful Dhamma talks, drawn from her own life and the teachings of Luang Por Ian, she has shared invaluable wisdom with all who come to practice. Her life stands as a testament to the power of selfless giving and unwavering faith, having established not just one—but two meditation centers, something incredibly rare in this world.
As she once said during the construction 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.”
Sadhu, Anumodana.
Recorded by Master Prasert Uthaichalerm
September 11, 2014
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