Senior Monk Phra Thepwarasitthachan Celebrates 85th Birthday
Phra Thepwarasitthachan marked his 85th birthday with a merit-making ceremony at Wat Samian Nari in Bangkok, where scholarships were awarded to monks and novices for
On Monday, October 26, 2026, Phra Thepwarasitthachan (Uthai Uthayo) celebrated his 85th birthday. Close disciples and reverent relatives joined together to organize a grand merit-making ceremony in his honor.
The venerable monk, widely respected for his virtue, established Wat Samian Nari as a central hub for Dhamma and Pali studies within the Sangha districts of Chatuchak and Bang Khen. Wat Samian Nari, in Lat Yao subdistrict, Chatuchak district, Bangkok, is recognized as a vital community temple for the Chatuchak-Prachachuen area and has become a model developed temple under Phra Thepwarasitthachan's administration, earning deep respect from local residents.
He currently holds the positions of abbot of Wat Samian Nari, advisor to the Bangkok Sangha Chief, and assistant to the Royal Dhamma Examination at Sanam Luang. The ceremony featured the presentation of scholarships to monks and novices who passed Dhamma and Pali examinations, funding support for examination centers, and educational encouragement for students and Dhamma studies graduates to inspire learning and ensure the continued flourishing of Buddhist teachings.
Phra Thepwarasitthachan was born Uthai Saeng-on on Sunday, October 26, 1941, in Sala Daeng subdistrict, Bang Nam Priao district, Chachoengsao province. His parents were Mr. Pruean and Mrs. Nueang Saeng-on. In his youth, he studied at Minburi District School in Phra Nakhon province (Bangkok) until completing compulsory Grade 4 before leaving to help his family.
At age 16, he entered the novice ordination in 1958 at Wat Phra Si Maha That Woramahawihan, with Phra Dhammapitaka (Phim Thammatharo) as preceptor. At age 22, he received higher ordination on June 25, 1964, at the sima boundary of Wat Samian Nari, Chatuchak, Bangkok. Phra Thepviriyaphon of Wat Thepakorn served as preceptor, Phra Athikan Prong Phatthasaro of Wat Samian Nari as kammavaca acharya, and Phra Thongkham Chantawangso of Wat Samian Nari as anusavana acharya.
He observed the rains retreat at Wat Samian Nari, completing the highest level of Dhamma studies (Nak Tham Ek) at the Wat Phra Si Maha That institute in Bang Khen district. In 1972, he was appointed deputy abbot of Wat Samian Nari. Due to his recognized administrative abilities in temple development, he subsequently received a series of Sangha administrative positions: abbot of Wat Samian Nari in 1973; district Sangha chief of Anusawari in 1980; preceptor status in 1981; district Sangha chief of Bang Khen-Chatuchak in 2001; and advisor to the Bangkok Sangha Chief in 2021.
In 2012, on the occasion of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 84th birthday, His Majesty graciously elevated Wat Samian Nari to a third-class royal temple of the common type. In 2004, he received the royal title Phra Khru Uthai Thammarat (First Class). In 2006, he was elevated to the rank of Phra Rajakhana (common) with the title Phra Phiphatthanasasanawithan. In 2011, he was promoted to Phra Rajakhana (royal) with the title Phra Rajasasanasophon. On July 28, 2019, he received the highest elevation to Phra Rajakhana (thep) with the title Phra Thepwarasitthachan.
The schedule for the 83rd birthday merit-making ceremony (held in 2024) for Phra Thepwarasitthachan (Uthai Uthayo), along with scholarship awards to monks, novices, and students who passed Dhamma examinations, took place on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the sermon hall on the second floor of Wat Samian Nari, Chatuchak district, Bangkok. At 9:00 AM, Buddhist laypeople and disciples gathered to participate in the ceremony. At 10:00 AM, 84 monks of ranked seniority from the temple's residence performed the chanting. It was an auspicious occasion for the assembly of disciples.
