Direct from the Temple – Grand Ceremony Celebrating the Supreme Patriarch's 99th Birthday Anniversary
Thailand's government approved a major ceremonial program celebrating Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana's 99th birthday on June 26, 2026, featuring Buddhist rituals, ordinations, and commemorative productions across temples
On Monday, May 11, 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, serving as Interior Minister, chaired a meeting of three committees overseeing major ceremonial occasions: 1) the committee organizing the 99th birthday celebration for His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, Supreme Patriarch of Thailand on June 26, 2026; 2) the committee for a grand royal ceremony commemorating his fourth reign cycle on June 3, 2026; and 3) the committee honoring Queen Rampai Barni of the seventh reign on the centennial recognition of her royal legacy.
The meeting was attended by senior Buddhist officials including Somdet Phra Mahaviriwongsa (Suchin Akkachino), secretary to the Supreme Patriarch, and Phrarajvatchraphattrajarn (Abhanya Abhinyyo), assistant secretary to the Supreme Patriarch, both from Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram temple. Also present were Phrachinavongvachiravet (Techin Intatecho) and Artsit Samphantarat, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, along with parliamentary leadership, government advisors, and relevant officials at the Santitiprathet Building in Government House.
The meeting tracked preparations for the 99th birthday celebration of His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, Supreme Patriarch of Thailand scheduled for June 26, 2026.
Permission was granted to proceed with the 99th birthday celebration with the following details:
1) Event naming and scope:
Thailand name: "Celebrations on the Occasion of His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, Supreme Patriarch of Thailand's 99th Birthday Anniversary, June 26, 2026" English name: "The Celebrations on the Occasion of His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand's 99th Birthday Anniversary 26th June 2026"
The event will run from March 1 through December 31, 2026 with major activities including:
– A Buddhist chanting ceremony and merit-making almsgiving on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:00 AM
– An ordination program dedicated to the occasion from June 13-29, 2026 at Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram temple
– Exhibitions and tribute activities from June 19-21, 2026 at Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram temple
– Production of commemorative publications, medals, coins, and postage stamps
The meeting emphasized that all responsible agencies must coordinate effectively to ensure the celebrations proceed smoothly and with appropriate dignity, with designated agencies bearing primary responsibility and supporting agencies providing assistance.
