Royal Decree Elevates Five Community Temples to Royal Monastery Status in Honor of the Queen
Five historic temples across Thailand have been elevated to royal monastery status in honor of Queen Suthida's birthday celebration, recognizing their significance as centers of Buddhist learning and spiritual practice.
On May 20, 2026, the Royal Gazette published a royal proclamation elevating five community temples to "royal monastery" status to honor Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of the fourth cycle celebration of her birthday on June 3, 2026, as follows:
1. Wat Asokaram in Muang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan Province - A model monastery in scriptural learning established in 1955 Buddhist Era as a memorial to King Ashoka, visited by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit for the enshrinement of the Buddha's relics on June 4, 1966. The monastery features orderly structures and serves as a center for Vipassana meditation and Buddhist propagation in the central region, earning it recognition as a glory of Samut Prakan Province and the central region of the Thai kingdom.
2. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang in Koa Kha District, Lampang Province - An ancient important monastery associated with the northern kingdom, housing the Lampang Luang reliquary and the Emerald Buddha of Don Tao. The late King and Queen visited the temple for water-pouring ceremonies on December 26, 1971. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has paid respects multiple times. It features Buddhist architectural principles with local religious traditions and serves as a spiritual center in the northern region.
3. Wat Pa Saeng Arun in Muang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen Province - Established by senior monks in the tradition of Phra Kru Vinai Dhorn, venerated by the late King and Queen. The monastery has proper facilities and is recognized for its public welfare, art, administration, Buddhist propagation, and religious education efforts, featuring an Isan-style ordination hall that displays local architectural and wisdom characteristics.
