Loei Province Honors Monk Phra Phawan Wachirasi with Royal Rank
Loei province celebrated the promotion of monk Phra Phawan Wachirasi to a royal ecclesiastical rank in a ceremony at Wat Pa Weluwanaram. The event was presided over by the provincial governor and a senior monk, with government officials and Buddhist followers in attendance. Participants observed traditional rites, chants and offerings to mark the occasion.
On October 15, 2026, Loei Province organized a ceremony to confer the ecclesiastical rank, royal fan, insignia and monastic robes upon Phra Phawan Wachirasi (Luang Pu Somsee Attrasiri), abbot of Wat Pa Weluwanaram. Governor Chaiyapojn Chunawong served as the civil ceremony chairman, while Phra Ratchawachirasuthi, abbot of Wat Si Sutthawat (Dhammayut), acted as the monastic chairman. Officials from the National Office of Buddhism, the Loei Provincial Buddhism Office, district heads, monks, disciples and lay Buddhists attended. During the rite, the civil chairman lit incense and candles, read the royal proclamation bestowing the title of Phra Phawan Wachirasi, and monks chanted auspicious verses, made offerings and presented the appointed rank, fan and robes. The monastic chairman then delivered a congratulatory address and advice, after which the congregation expressed joy and dedication to uphold and propagate Buddhism.
