Senior Buddhist Monk Appointed Provincial Head in Nakhon Sawan
A senior Buddhist monk with a master's degree in educational administration has been appointed provincial head monk of Nakhon Sawan, overseeing religious affairs for the province.
On July 26, 2026, Somdet Phra Mahadhirajarn (Pasit Khemmangkro), abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphorn Vimolmangkhlaram and vice chairman of the Sangha Supreme Council overseeing the northern region, presided over the formal presentation of the Supreme Patriarch's appointment order designating Phra Dhammavachirapon (Rid Ridwetee), abbot of Wat Tak Fa in Nakhon Sawan, as provincial head monk of Nakhon Sawan. The ceremony took place at the northern regional ecclesiastical office meeting room at Wat Phra Chetuphorn Vimolmangkhlaram.
Phra Dhammavachirapon, regarded as a highly capable senior monk, has dedicated himself to advancing monastic educational programs with unwavering commitment. Currently 62 years old with 42 Buddhist Lent observances to his name, he serves as abbot of Wat Tak Fa, a royal temple in Tak Fa District, Nakhon Sawan, and now assumes his new role as provincial ecclesiastical administrator. Born on Wednesday, July 2, 1964, at house number 25, village 4, Ban Nong Nam, Tak Tok subdistrict, Ban Tak District, Tak Province, to parents Samran and Kern Thubeiuam who worked in agriculture.
After completing fourth-grade primary education, when asked if he wished to ordain as a monk, he readily agreed, having long harbored deep reverence for Buddhism. He took monastic vows on September 11, 1977, at Wat San Pa Lan in Tak Auk subdistrict, Ban Tak District, Tak Province, with Phra Khru Wisakij Anuwat, the subdistrict ecclesiastical administrator, as his ordaining preceptor.
From ages 8 to 18, he studied meditation and mental discipline under Luang Pho Bua Klai at Wat Khantong in Tak. He then pursued advanced monastic textual studies in both Pali and Dharma traditions under Phra Ratchasuvarnarsobphan at Wat Bodhi Rat in Ang Thong Province, earning top honors and advanced scriptural certifications before transferring to Wat Tak Fa.
At age 20, he underwent full higher ordination on May 14, 1984, at Wat Tak Fa's ordination boundary, with Phra Khru Nakhom Khet Kanarak, the district ecclesiastical administrator, serving as his preceptor. He subsequently pursued advanced monastic studies, eventually earning the highest level of scriptural certification.
In 2000, he completed a master's degree in educational administration from Naresuan University. His contributions to monastic education have earned widespread recognition. In 1995, he received an award for establishing distinguished Pali studies programs; in 1997, he received certification for excellence in Dharma and Pali education from the provincial monastic education committee. In 2001, Wat Tak Fa was designated as the provincial center for Pali studies by the Sangha Supreme Council.
In 2001, he received commendation from the Department of Non-Formal Education, Ministry of Education. In 2003, he received the Sao Samadharmachakra Award for meritorious service to Buddhism in monastic education. His ecclesiastical rank has been elevated four times: in 1996 to Phra Racha Kana (Third Class, Phra Srisuddhi Wetee); in 2006 to Phra Racha Kana (Second Class, Phra Rajapanya Wetee); in 2016 to Phra Racha Kana (First Class, Phra Thepphanya Phon); and most recently on April 20, 2026, to the rank of Phra Dhammavachirapon.
On February 4, 2006, Wat Tak Fa received a royal visit from Princess Sirindhorn, who toured the temple's educational programs and graciously donated 10,000 baht from her personal funds to support monastic meals. This donation was established as a perpetual educational support fund.
