Mahachulalongkornraj University Reappoints Rector For Second Term
Mahachulalongkornraj University's rector was unanimously reappointed for a second four-year term on Wednesday, continuing his leadership of the Buddhist institution in Ayutthaya Province.
On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Mahachulalongkornraj University in Wang Noi District, Ayutthaya Province, held its sixth university council meeting for 2026 to consider the succession of its rector. Phraprombat Wachiratheeracharya (Somjin Sammapanyo), the current rector whose four-year term concludes this year, was unanimously reappointed for another term. He has dedicated himself to Buddhist religious work, particularly in academic affairs, education, and monastic university development.
Now 65 years old with 44 Buddhist years of ordination, he serves as assistant abbot of Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, deputy head of the Bali Sangha, deputy head of the 5th Buddhist region, and rector of Mahachulalongkornraj University. Originally named Somjin Vanjanthorn, he was born on September 28, 1960, in Ban Guangngoi, Lam Plai Mat District, Buriram Province. He completed primary school at age 12, then ordained at Wat Ban Kaert in 1974, later transferring to Wat Sao Hai in Saraburi Province where he studied Pali Buddhist texts and earned the titles of second and first class Tham scholar.
In 1976, he moved to Wat Chai Chumpol Chana Songkhram in Kanchanaburi to study Pali, achieving the rank of seven-verse Pali scholar. In 1978, he transferred to Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen. In 1982, after earning his nine-verse Pali scholar rank, he was ordained as a fully-fledged monk, receiving the ecclesiastical name Sammapanyo.
He later earned a Bachelor of Arts from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in 1989, a Master's degree in Buddhist Studies from Mahachulalongkornraj University in 1991, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Banaras Hindu University, India, in 1994. Upon completing his doctorate, he joined Mahachulalongkornraj University's academic affairs office. His career progressed steadily: in 1997 he became director of academic affairs, in 1998 dean of the Graduate College, and in 2006 vice rector for academic affairs.
In 2013, he was appointed professor of Buddhist Studies in the Faculty of Buddhist Studies. In 2016, he became secretary of the Bali Sangha. He has devoted himself fully to religious work, particularly academic and educational endeavors. He has authored numerous academic works and books, including "The Development of Buddhist Ethics," "The Development of Ancient Indian Thought," and "Mahayana Buddhism." He has written extensive scholarly articles on topics such as Vajrayana analysis, metaphysical problems, Monastic Discipline, Madhyamaka philosophy, and Buddhist logic. His research includes studies on Buddhist ethics, Thai Tripitaka dictionary, and Buddhist principles integration for administrative development. In 2003, he received the royal award for contributions to Buddhism.
