Auspicious News – Venerable Somdet Phra Maha Theeracharya Celebrates 89th Birthday
A highly respected Buddhist monk, Venerable Somdet Phra Maha Theeracharya, celebrates his 89th birthday on May 24, marking nearly seven decades in monastic service. The revered abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphhon in Bangkok and chairman of the Mah
This Sunday, May 24, 2026, marks an auspicious occasion as Venerable Somdet Phra Maha Theeracharya (Pasit Khemangkro) celebrates his 89th birthday. His devoted disciples and followers will join together to pay respects and commemorate this milestone. Somdet Phra Maha Theeracharya is a highly respected member of the Supreme Sangha Council known for his exemplary monastic conduct and practice. Currently 89 years old and in his 68th Buddhist Lent, he serves as abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphhon Wimolmangkhlaram in Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, as well as holding the positions of Northern Regional Chief Monk and Chairman of the Welfare Committee of the Maha Therasomakam. Born on May 24, 1937, in Yang Noi Village, Khuang Nai District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, he completed his primary education before being ordained on April 3, 1948, at Wat Yang Noi. He pursued Buddhist scriptural studies extensively and later conducted meditation practice retreats. He received the rank of Somdet Phra Rajakhana at the Divine Level in 2019 with the royal title Somdet Phra Maha Theeracharya. Throughout his monastic career, he has made significant contributions to both the Sangha and public welfare, including establishing meditation retreat centers in Thailand and abroad. His ecclesiastical positions have included secretary to the Northern Regional Chief Monk, assistant abbot at various temples, and abbot of Wat Yanawa since 2001. He has received numerous ecclesiastical rank promotions from the Thai royal family over his long monastic career.
