Direct from the Palace – Royal Gracious Bestowal of Insignia and Fan to Venerable Phra Thepvichiryan Sundhorn
His Majesty appointed a royal advisor to present ceremonial insignia and a new ecclesiastical rank to Venerable Phra Thepvichiryan Sundhorn, a revered Buddhist scholar and meditation master from Maha Sarakham Province in Northeast Thailand.
On Friday, May 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., His Majesty graciously appointed Air Chief Marshal Chom Rungsawang, a royal advisor, to present a certificate of rank, fan, and three-colored cloth to Venerable Phra Thepvichiryan Sundhorn at Wat Phutthavanaram (Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen) in Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province.
The Sovereign issued a royal charter on April 16, 2026, elevating the venerable to the rank of Phra Racha Khana Chadnimitti with the royal title 'Phra Thepvichiryan Sundhorn Bowordhammapani Siribhawananustittha Mahakanissara Buworsangkharam Kamwasi,' of the Vipassana tradition, currently stationed at Wat Mahachai Royal Monastery in Maha Sarakham Province, with five subordinate temples registered under his name.
The Director of the National Office of Buddhism assigned Supathorn Muangmaj, Director of the Buddhist Education Division, along with officials from the National Office of Buddhism and the Maha Sarakham Provincial Buddhist Office, to participate in the ceremony and assist with sangha affairs.
Venerable Phra Thepvichiryan Sundhorn, formerly known as Suriyant Wanasasub, is a renowned Buddhist scholar from Maha Sarakham, tracing his spiritual lineage from the late Venerable Luang Pu Kamphan Kosobunyo, a celebrated meditation master from Nakhon Phanom Province.
Currently 47 years old with 27 years of monastic service, he serves as the abbot of Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen in Geung Sub-district, Mueang District, and as assistant abbot of Wat Mahachai Royal Monastery. Born on February 13, 1979, in Maha Sarakham Province to parents Thongchai and Lamun, he was ordained at age 15 at Wat Don Kloi in Kalasin Province.
He was fully ordained on April 17, 1999, and subsequently traveled throughout Northeast Thailand's forests seeking spiritual advancement. Learning of Luang Pu Kamphan's reputation, he became his student and studied advanced meditation techniques, ancient scriptures, and sacred amulet-making rituals for four years.
In 2006, after returning to Maha Sarakham, devoted followers invited him to establish Wat Phutthavanaram (Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen), which has flourished through the patronage of donors. The temple features remarkable permanent structures, including the nation's largest wooden dharma hall, constructed entirely from hardwood.
