Somdet Phra Yana Vachirmonkol Enshrined at Rajathiwas Temple
The King has promoted Phra Prom Vachirmonkol to the rank of Somdet Phra Yana Vachirmonkol, honoring the 96-year-old Buddhist abbot of Bangkok's Rajathiwas Temple after 76 years in the monastic order.
On July 14, the Royal Gazette website published a royal decree establishing ecclesiastical rank, announcing that His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn has graciously promoted Phra Prom Vachirmonkol to the rank of Somdet Phra Rajakanatham with the royal title Somdet Phra Yana Vachirmonkol, bearing numerous honors inscribed in the records and stationed at Rajathiwas Temple Royal Monastery in Bangkok, with ten ecclesiastical ranks recognized. The proclamation took effect from July 12, 2026, and was announced on July 14, 2026.
Somdet Phra Yana Vachirmonkol (formerly Luechai Khunvuthotto), now 96 years old with 76 years in the sangha, currently serves as abbot of Rajathiwas Temple in Vichiraphyabal Ward, Dusit District, Bangkok. Born on July 7, 1930, in Songkhla Province to parents Wan and Yok Saiyanvannano, he was ordained on July 5, 1950, at Wat Huay Phud in Songkhla Province under Phra Kru Sophon Silajarn and Phra Kru Chantavimol.
He devoted himself to Dhamma study and passed the highest level examination in 1952 at Wat Matchimawat in Songkhla. In 1956, he engaged in meditation practice at Wat Phutthi Karam in Songkhla under Luang Phu Mahapi Chalito, eventually studying Pali at Rajathiwas Temple in Bangkok as advised by his preceptor. During his residence at Rajathiwas, he participated in meditation practice and later became responsible for education, teaching both Dharma and Pali.
In 1987, he became head teacher of Rajathiwas School; in 1993, assistant to the Central Dharma Council Director. He has also led Dharma examinations and opened testing at Wat Nikrodharama in Malaysia. From 2000 onward, he served as director of the Rajathiwas School and board member of the Mahakut Buddhist University Foundation. His ecclesiastical promotions occurred in 1972, 1987, 1994, 2000, and 2021, rising progressively through ranks. He has long served as abbot of Rajathiwas Temple since 2000 and actively promotes Buddhism through sermons and lectures across temples, government offices, private institutions, schools, and radio stations.
