Special Report - Cremation Ceremony for Former Lamphun Provincial Buddhist Ecclesiastical Deputy

Arssit Sampantharatana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, presided over the cremation ceremony for Phra Phutthaban Phithak (Chwalit Jaruvanno), former deputy of the Lamphun Provincial Buddhist Ecclesiastical Region and former abbot of Wat Phra Phutthaban Tak Pha Royal Temple on January 25, 2026, at the temporary crematorium of the temple in Tambon Makok, Pa Sang District, Lamphun Province. The ceremony was graciously led by Phra Dhamma Senabodi (Thongchai Suwannasiri), Deputy of Buddhist Region 7 and abbot of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Numerous Buddhist monks, high-ranking government officials, judicial, military, and civilian representatives, and Buddhist followers attended the event. During the ceremony, Arssit presented the royal monk's robe from the Supreme Patriarch, which was placed before the coffin. The monks considered the ceremonial robe, and then proceeded with the cremation, paying respects to the direction of His Majesty the King's residence. Phra Phutthaban Phithak was born on March 11, 1958, and passed away on July 2, 2023, at the age of 65 with 45 years as a monk. His Majesty the King graciously provided royal water for bathing the body, cremation honors, a gold coffin, and personally presided over the cremation ceremony.