Buddhist Abbot Installed as Regional Head in Northern Thailand
Phra Rajvachirsin was formally installed as regional abbot for Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Mae Hong Son provinces during a ceremony at Wat Chedi Luang Voraviharn on July 1, following his appointment by the Sangha Supreme Patriarch.
Chiang Mai — A formal installation ceremony was held at Wat Chedi Luang Voraviharn in Chiang Mai on July 1 to receive the Sangha Supreme Patriarch's appointment of Phra Rajvachirsin as regional abbot. Chiang Mai Governor Rathapol Naradis served as chairman of the lay delegation and announced the Supreme Patriarch's royal decree officially appointing Phra Rajvachirsin (Umphorn Katpunyo), current abbot of Wat Chedi Luang Voraviharn, to the position of regional abbot for Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Mae Hong Son provinces (Thammayut sect).
Senior monks including Phra Thammasenabodi, regional abbot of Zone 7, and Phra Tephvachirathipt, regional abbot of Zones 6-7 (Thammayut), presided over the monastic contingent. The ceremony drew large numbers of monks, government officials, representatives from various agencies, disciples, and Buddhist devotees.
On June 24, the Sangha Supreme Patriarch issued the royal appointment elevating Phra Rajvachirsin from his previous roles as abbot of Wat Chedi Luang Voraviharn and deputy regional abbot to the position of regional abbot for Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Mae Hong Son provinces, with administrative authority over all Buddhist communities in the region according to the Mahatherasmakom Regulations No. 23 (B.E. 2541).
During the ceremony, Phra Khru Thammathorn Nathapong (Kuntad), a senior scholar and political science graduate at Wat Chedi Luang Voraviharn, was also appointed as secretary to the regional abbot.
Phra Rajvachirsin, the 9th abbot of Wat Chedi Luang Voraviharn, was born on April 11, 1957, and is currently 55 years old with 35 Buddhist Lent seasons. He holds the monastic rank of royal monk and is regarded as a respected elder of Chiang Mai who commands the faith and devotion of Buddhists.
