Royal Educational Fund Presentation Ceremony - Royal Scholarship Program for Thai Monks

On Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 2:30 PM, His Majesty the King graciously appointed General Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council, as his representative to present the Royal Educational Fund for the Royal Scholarship Program for Thai Buddhist clergy at Dusit Sala in Chitralada Garden.

Senior monks overseeing the program and selected monks and novices receiving the royal educational fund were recognized as follows:

1. Phra Brahmabandit (Prayoon Thammajitta), Abbot of Prayurawongsa Monastery, as coordinator of the Preacher Training Royal Scholarship Program, Cohort 6

2. Phra Thammaviramedhee (Meechai Veeraphunyo), Vice Rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Buddhagosha Pali Studies Campus in Nakhon Pathom Province, as coordinator of the Vipassana Meditation Instructor Training Royal Scholarship Program, Cohort 6

3. Phra Thammaviradhibodi (Cham Punnyajyo), Abbot of Benjamabopit Dusit Vanaram Monastery, as coordinator of the Dharma Dissemination Monk Training Royal Scholarship Program, Cohort 6

4. Phra Thammavirjindaphorn (Somkit Jintamyo), Assistant Abbot of Rajabophit Sathit Mahasima Monastery, as coordinator of the Dharma Teaching Royal Scholarship Program, Cohort 3, and the Meditation Teacher Training Royal Scholarship Program, Cohort 3

5. Higher education scholarship recipients from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya and Mahamakut Royal Universities totaling 271 scholarships, consisting of: - 39 doctoral degree students - 83 master's degree students - 103 bachelor's degree students

6. Advanced Pali studies scholarship recipients from the Royal Pali Office at levels 6-9, totaling 56 students

Attending the ceremony were Udompon Eakkhiam, Director of the National Office of Buddhism; Pareena Srivanich, Advisor on Buddhist Research and Development; and Chatchapol Chaiyaporn, Buddhist Studies Expert, acting as Director of the Mahatherasangha Secretariat's Office, along with officials from the National Office of Buddhism, collectively advancing the royal vision.

The Royal Scholarship Program for Thai Buddhist Clergy was established by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej with the royal intention to promote higher Buddhist education among monks, enabling them to reach the essence of Buddhist teachings and practice and propagate them correctly, thereby ensuring the stability of the Buddhist Dharma. The current King continues, preserves, and further develops this royal initiative to enhance the potential of monks as spiritual anchors for the people and vital pillars of Thai society.