Chiang Mai Monk Receives Royal Certificate at Age 30
A Chiang Mai monk completed 30 years of ordination and received a royal certificate elevating his ecclesiastical rank from the King on September 22, recognizing his advanced Buddhist studies and monastic leadership.
Phra Vachirrasiddhiyan, a junior abbot of Chiang Mai in his 30th year of monastic ordination, received a royal certificate from the King elevating him to Phra Rajah Khanachat (Third Class) on September 22, 2025, at Wat Yang Kwang in Chiang Mai. The ceremony was presided over by Phra Dhammasenapati (Thongchai Suwansiree), head of Sangha Region 7 and abbot of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, along with Chiang Mai Governor Rattapool Naradisorn. The abbot, formerly known as Phra Kru Plat Thee Nawat Yanasiddhivati and nicknamed Frook, was born on January 9, 1997, in Chiang Mai and ordained on January 9, 2017, at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. He holds a master's degree in Buddhist Studies and has completed advanced monastic education.
