Buddhist Monk Honored With Royal Title at Bangkok Temple
Venerable Sri Theerapong was honored with the royal monastic rank of Phra Rajvachir Saramedhee at Wat Thong Nopkun in Bangkok on Saturday, recognizing his scholarly achievements and extensive Buddhist service.
On Saturday, August 29, 2026, the monastic communities of Region 11, including monks from Rat Burana District, Wat Thong Nopkun, and Wat Sarakhet, along with their disciples, held a ceremony to receive and present formal royal documents, fans, and robes marking the occasion when Venerable Sri Theerapong, the district head monk of Rat Burana, deputy abbot of Wat Thong Nopkun, senior teacher at the temple school, and deputy chairman of the Region 11 monastic working committee, received a royal monastic rank as Phra Rajvachir Saramedhee, Tripitaka scholar, great scholar, member of the monastic order, royal-rank monk, at the ordination hall of Wat Thong Nopkun in Khlong San District, Bangkok.
His Eminence Phra Vachirsidhachan (Thongchai Sukhyano), a Great Elders Council committee member, Region 11 chief monk, and abbot of Wat Sarakhet, presided over the ceremony. At 5:30 p.m., senior monks, junior monks, novices, civil servants, and disciples assembled at Thepwimolwittayaprasoet School within Wat Thong Nopkun to escort the royal documents, fan, and robes, leading Phra Rajvachir Saramedhee (Udom Saramedhee) along the front entrance of the ordination hall, circumambulating it three times before entering.
At 6:00 p.m., the monastic community and laypeople welcomed His Eminence Phra Vachirsidhachan as he arrived at the ordination hall. Phra Rajvachir Saramedhee then lit incense and candles to pay homage to the Triple Gem at the altar before the principal Buddha image while monks chanted auspicious verses. He then paid respects to His Eminence and returned to his seat.
The preceptor initiated the precept ceremony, followed by a reading of the royal declaration granting the monastic title "Phra Rajvachir Saramedhee" by lay supporter Sulaksin Sivilaksin. Phra Rajvachir Saramedhee then presented formal teachings first to His Eminence and second to Phra Medhivilangan, abbot of Wat Thong Nopkun, while nine distinguished guests offered teachings to the assembled monks as auspicious chanting concluded.
Following the monastic ceremony, the assembled community, disciples, and laypeople presented gifts and paid respects to Phra Rajvachir Saramedhee, receiving mementos in return. His Eminence had a photograph taken with the newly honored monk before departing.
Phra Rajvachir Saramedhee (Udom Saramedhee) is a versatile and diligent monk who has completed the highest levels of Buddhist education, including mastery of nine Dhamma scriptures and a doctoral degree in cultural studies from Mahasarakham Rajabhat University. He has devoted himself extensively to Buddhist work, serving both Wat Thong Nopkun and the monastic order with wide-reaching accomplishments. In 2568 Buddhist Era (2025), he was appointed deputy chairman of the Region 11 monastic working committee and has worked closely with monks from Wat Sarakhet in executing regional duties with full dedication.
