Buddhist Monk Elevated to Senior Ecclesiastical Rank
An 85-year-old Buddhist monk has been elevated to the senior ecclesiastical rank of Somdet Phra Rajakhana, with the formal announcement published in the Royal Gazette on July 14; he has served as abbot of Suthat Thepwararam Temple in Bangko
On July 14, 2569, the Royal Gazette published a royal decree announcing the elevation of Phra Brahm Vichirmuni to the rank of Somdet Phra Rajakhana with the title Somdet Phra Sutthassana Vichirmuni Sri Pariyatti Kijkosal, Losopon Sasanakij Pithaan, Kunalangkar Dhammanustittha, and other honors, stationed at Suthat Thepwararam Royal Temple in Bangkok, with ten levels of ecclesiastical rank established. The proclamation was effective from July 12, 2569, and announced on July 14, 2569. Somdet Phra Sutthassana Vichirmuni, formerly known as Cherd Chittakutto, is currently 85 years old and in his 65th monastic year, serving as abbot of Suthat Thepwararam Temple, advisor to Section 4, and committee member of the Great Elders Society. His birth name was Cherd Ruksa Pajoni, born on Tuesday, February 17, 2484, in Ban Rung Krangjarak, Sena District, Ayutthaya Province, to parents Nai Seu and Nang Chan Ruksa Pajoni, whose family engaged in trade. He ordained on Saturday, July 7, 2497, at Rang Krangjarak Temple, Amphoe Sena, Ayutthaya Province, under Phra Kru Pariyattigun Pakan as his preceptor. During his monastic studies, he progressed through various levels of Dhamma examinations and studied under renowned teachers, eventually becoming a Pali language instructor. He pursued advanced religious education at Samaiphaya Temple in Bangkok and later took up permanent residence at Suthat Thepwararam Temple under the guidance of Somdet Phra Phutthajai (Sengiam), who held the rank of Phra Thammavisutthaji. For 46 years from 2511 to 2557, he served in various capacities including secretary, assistant abbot, and preceptor. Since 2559, he has served as abbot of Suthat Thepwararam Temple. He has held multiple teaching and administrative positions within the Buddhist education system. His ecclesiastical rank progressions began in 2523 when he was appointed Phra Rajakhana Ordinary Grade Phra Siwarabhon, elevated in 2537 to Royal Grade Phra Ratchavisiththidilok, in 2543 to Celestial Grade Phra Thepvimolmoli, and in 2548 to Phra Rajakhana rank.
