Phichit Honors Venerable Buddhist Monk on 99th Death Anniversary
Phichit province marks the 99th death anniversary of Phra Rajawichit Molee, a venerated Buddhist monk known for his strict discipline, extensive Buddhist scholarship, and contributions to monastic education and youth moral development.
Monday, July 13, 2025 commemorates the 99th death anniversary of Phra Rajawichit Molee (Boonmee Paripunno), a distinguished senior Buddhist monk of Phichit province renowned for his virtuous conduct, strict adherence to monastic discipline, and genuine dedication to Buddhism. Originally named Boonmee Taengpan, he was born on Wednesday, July 13, 1927 at Ban Dan in Phichit city to parents Nai Hae and Nang Took Taengpan. He attended primary school at Wat Had Mun, completing fourth grade before ordaining as a monk at age 20 on March 26, 1948, receiving the monastic name Paripunno. He relocated to Wat Tha Luang to study Buddhist scripture, and by 1951 had earned bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Buddhist studies. After serving as a scripture instructor for over a decade, he was appointed to various monastic administrative positions, becoming abbot of Wat Tha Luang in 1986, district monastic leader in 1993, and eventually provincial monastic adviser in 2007. He championed Buddhist education by establishing secular curriculum studies within the temple and creating scholarship funds for economically disadvantaged monks and novices. In religious outreach, he established the Buddhason Merit Camp in 2000 for youth moral education and created a medicinal herb garden at Wat Tha Luang. He received numerous ecclesiastical ranks conferred by royal decree throughout his monastic career.
