Auspicious News – New Senior Sangha Council Member 'Somdet Phra Maha Wachirmuneewong'
Phra Prommuni was elevated to the rank of Somdet Phra Sangharat, becoming a senior member of the Buddhist Sangha Council, in honor of Queen Suthida's 60th birthday. The 91-year-old abbot of a Bangkok royal temple was recognized for his stri
On April 20, 2025, the Royal Gazette published a royal decree establishing ecclesiastical rank, stating that His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn issued a royal command to elevate ecclesiastical rank during the celebration of Her Majesty Queen Suthida's 60th birthday on June 3, 2025. Phra Prommuni was elevated to Somdet Phra Sangharat with the royal title Somdet Phra Maha Wachirmuneewong Mahachetiyapongsakunthaada Thammadutpatthanakannalankar, based at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Woramahaviharn, a royal temple in Bangkok, with ten ecclesiastical rankings.
Announced from April 18, 2025, and officially proclaimed on April 20, 2025, Somdet Phra Maha Wachirmuneewong (formerly Bunruang Punnyachooto) is recognized for strict discipline, simple conduct, and exemplary virtuous practice. Currently 91 years old with 71 Buddhist lent years, he serves as committee member of the Maha Thera Association, advisor to Regional Council 8 (Thammayut), and abbot of Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Woramahaviharn in Bangkok.
Born August 8, 1935, in Maha Sarakham Province, he completed primary education and was ordained on June 10, 1955. He was fully ordained on June 26, 1955, under the guidance of Somdet Phra Maha Veerawong. He holds credentials including Parian Dhamma Level 4 and a Bachelor of Religious Studies from Mahachulalongkornrajvidyalaya University.
He has held administrative positions including abbot of Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Woramahaviharn since 1996, Regional Council 8 Chief from 2004, and served as one of the first Buddhist missionaries abroad, spreading Buddhism in Australia, the United States, and Indonesia. He has been instrumental in establishing Buddhism in Indonesia and oversees the training institute for overseas Buddhist missionaries annually.
