Thai King Bestows Monastic Robes on Venerated Buddhist Scholar

The Thai King has authorized Arocha Nanthamonthree, Governor of Nakhon Pathom Province, to present royal monastic robes and alms to Somdet Phra Phutthakhosacharya (Payutto Payutto), abbot of Yanawes Temple. The ceremony took place recently at Yanawes Temple in Samphran District, Nakhon Pathom, with provincial officials, government staff, and members of the public in attendance. The governor lit incense and candles before a portrait of the King, presented the robes and alms, and delivered remarks honoring the distinguished monk. Somdet Phra Phutthakhosacharya, now 88 years old and 65 years into his monastic life, is recognized internationally as a leading Buddhist scholar respected by Buddhists and followers of other faiths alike. Born on January 12, 1938, as Payutto Aryangkoor in Suphan Buri Province, he excelled academically before ordaining at a young age due to poor health. He was ordained as a full monk in 1961 under royal patronage at Wat Phra Si Ratana Sasadaram, receiving the name Payutto, meaning "master of knowledge." In 1962, he earned his bachelor's degree in Buddhist Studies with first-class honors from Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University. Throughout his monastic career, he has dedicated himself to Buddhist education through lectures, academic works, and numerous publications in Thai and foreign languages, authoring over 312 books. His seminal work, "Buddhist Dharma," is considered a masterpiece. He received UNESCO's Education for Peace Award in 1994, becoming the first Thai to receive this honor.