Chiang Mai Abbot Receives Royal Ecclesiastical Rank
The abbot of Wat Yang Kwang in Chiang Mai received a royal ecclesiastical promotion to Phra Rajakhana rank on September 22, with government officials and monks conducting a formal ceremony at his temple.
His Majesty graciously presented a royal certificate to Phra Kru Plad Theernavach Yanasitthiwat, abbot of Wat Yang Kwang, elevating him to the rank of Phra Rajakhana (ordinary class) with the ecclesiastical title Phra Vachirrasitthiyan.
On the morning of September 22, 2025, at 7 a.m., Deputy Governor Siva Thamikanan led government officials, monks, and disciples to Chiang Mai International Airport to receive the royal certificate and escort it to Wat Phra Singh, where Phra Vachirrasitthiyan paid respects at the Buddha Singha image. At 11 a.m., monks and novices from Wat Lok Molee gathered, and at noon, a procession departed from Wat Lok Molee through Chiang Pheuak Gate toward Wat Yang Kwang, arriving at 1 p.m. with officials, merchants, and disciples assembled.
At the scripture hall ceremony, Phra Vachirrasitthiyan lit incense and candles, paying homage to the Triple Gem and the presiding monks in order. Governor Naradisorn opened a flower-shaped lantern basket before the royal portrait and oversaw the recitation of the ecclesiastical proclamation by ten ordained monks. Offerings of Thai religious items were presented to the presiding monk and senior monks, followed by a Bai Sri blessing ceremony for the newly elevated abbot, also known as Kruba Phra Vachirrasitthiyan or Kruba Fruck.
The honoree, formerly named Theernavach with the monastic name Yanasitthiwat, surname Tapeang, is 30 years old (nicknamed Fruck), with 9 years in the monastic order. He was ordained on January 9, 2017, at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Royal Temple in Chiang Mai.
