King Elevates 14 Senior Buddhist Monks to Higher Ranks
The King elevated 14 senior Buddhist monks to higher ecclesiastical ranks through royal commands published in the Royal Gazette, with one monk promoted to deputy supreme ecclesiastical dignitary on August 16.
BANGKOK — 17 August 2026, The Royal Gazette has published royal commands promoting and conferring ecclesiastical titles on 14 senior Buddhist monks.
The first announcement said His Majesty the King had elevated Phra Thamma Wachira Dilok of Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan in Bangkok to the rank of deputy supreme ecclesiastical dignitary, with the new title Phra Phrom Wachira Muni.
The promotion took effect on 16 August and allows him to appoint eight monks to positions within his ecclesiastical entourage.
In a separate royal command, 13 other monks were granted new ecclesiastical ranks and titles:
Phra Thep Wachira Khunathan of Wat Ban Plueai Yai in Roi Et was promoted to Phra Thamma Wachira Khunathan.
Phra Ratcha Wachira Methi of Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan was promoted to Phra Thep Pariyat Wachira Methi.
Phra Yan Wilat of Wat Pa Song Tham in Roi Et was promoted to Phra Ratcha Yan Wachirophas.
Phra Phimon Phawana Phithan of Wat Rakhang Khositaram Woramahawihan was promoted to Phra Ratcha Wachira Phawana Phithan.
Phra Si Thiraphong of Wat Thong Nopphakhun was promoted to Phra Ratcha Wachira Saramethi.
Phra Khru Pariyat Woraphirak of Wat Nong I But in Kalasin was appointed Phra Pariyat Wachirathon.
Phra Khru Si Wisut Wat of Wat That in Khon Kaen was appointed Phra Pariyat Wachira Sunthon.
Phra Khru Santi Kitjanukan of Wat Bang Samak in Chachoengsao was appointed Phra Phawana Wachira Wisit.
Phra Khru Si Wachirawong of Wat Suthat Thepwararam was appointed Phra Pariyat Wachira Wethi.
Phra Khru Chotithammaprakat of Wat Kasemsap Phatthanaram in Roi Et was appointed Phra Wachira Thamma Chot.
Phra Khru Sitthi Phawananusak of Wat Si Song Mueang in Chiang Mai was appointed Phra Phawana Wachira Thada.
Phra Khru Si Kitti Warodom of Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram was appointed Phra Kitti Wachirodom.
Phra Maha Adirek Techawanno of Wat Bang Tanai in Pathum Thani was appointed Phra Udom Wachira Suthi.
The appointments took effect on 16 August, according to the Royal Gazette announcements published on 17 August.
