Prominent Buddhist Monk Elevated to Senior Ecclesiastical Rank
King Maha Vajiralongkorn has elevated 83-year-old Phra Brahma Vichirakhon to the senior ecclesiastical rank of Somdet Phra Rajakhana, recognizing his 62 years of monastic service and leadership roles within the Thammayut sect.
On July 14, 2025, the Royal Gazette published a royal decree establishing ecclesiastical rank, stating that King Maha Vajiralongkorn has granted a royal ordnance elevating Phra Brahma Vichirakhon to Somdet Phra Rajakhana with the title Somdet Phra Buddha Vichirakhon. The monk, now 83 years old and in his 62nd year of monastic life, holds positions as a director of the Great Elder Council, advisor to regional ecclesiastical councils under the Thammayut sect, and abbot of Wat Rajaphatikarama Worawihan in Bangkok.
Originally named Sunthon Chiwmai Daeng, he was born on March 16, 1943, in Pak Nam District, Mueang, Chumphon Province. He completed primary education at age 13 and entered monastic life at Wat Rajaphatikarama on June 8, 1957, under the guidance of Somdet Phra Maha Veeravong (Vin Dhammasaro) as his preceptor. In 1964, he passed examinations in Pali Buddhist texts at three levels through Wat Rajathiwas academy.
After full ordination as a bhikkhu on July 5, 1964, he pursued serious study of Pali scriptures and earned the rank of Phra Parian in 1966. He gained the trust of his abbot and was assigned responsibilities in monastic administration, education, social welfare, Buddhist propagation, and public service. In 2002, he became regional ecclesiastical administrator for Dusit District under the Thammayut sect; in 2014, he became abbot of Wat Rajaphatikarama. In 2024, he was appointed director of the Great Elder Council.
He has maintained commitment to Buddhist doctrine through both study and practice, and has served as a special instructor, Dhamma lecturer, and meditation teacher to monks, preachers, officials, soldiers, and students via radio, television, and various educational institutions. He holds honorary doctorates from Maha Makut Rajvidyalai University (2009) and Bundit Business University (2013), and has contributed to Buddhist revitalization efforts abroad. He has received multiple ecclesiastical rank promotions, most recently elevated to the highest Rajakhana rank on July 7, 2021.
