Senior Monk Honored with Royal Recognition at Bangkok Temple
Senior Buddhist monk Phra Phrom Dilok was elevated to the rank of Somdet Phra Ratchakhan by royal decree in July, recognizing decades of religious education and service at a Bangkok temple.
On July 14, 2569, the Royal Gazette published a royal decree in which His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved the elevation of Phra Phrom Dilok to the rank of Somdet Phra Ratchakhan with the royal title Somdet Phra Maha Wachirakhun Dilok Sri Priyattinayok Khanathon, among other honorifics. The newly elevated prelate will hold the position with ten monastic ranks in his name.
Somdet Phra Maha Wachirakhun Dilok, formerly known as Euang Klinsali, was born on July 13, 2488, in Ayutthaya Province. He pursued studies in the Dharma at Wat Sam Phaya, earning successive degrees in Buddhist philosophy and later obtained a Master's degree in Pali and Education from Banaras Hindu University in India in 2526, followed by a doctorate in 2529.
Returning to Wat Sam Phaya, he became a trusted disciple of the late Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Buddhagosacharya and served as instructor of Buddhist texts, overseeing educational and religious affairs at the temple. Over his monastic life, he received successive ranks: ordinary Ratchakhan in 2530, royal Ratchakhan in 2537, divine Ratchakhan in 2542, and Dharma Ratchakhan in 2547. In 2553, he was appointed as deputy head of the Ratchakhan order.
On May 24, 2561, the monk faced serious legal proceedings but was ultimately acquitted by the court. On March 18, 2566, he received another royal decree recognizing his elevated monastic rank.
