Thai King Elevates 13 Buddhist Monks to High Ecclesiastical Rank

The Royal Gazette published a royal decree on August 17, 2025, announcing the elevation of ecclesiastical rank. According to the decree, monks in the sangha who have made outstanding contributions to Buddhism are deserving of advancement in monastic rank. Accordingly, His Majesty graciously elevated Phra Thammaviradi Dhilok of Wat Suthat Thepwararam, a royal temple in Bangkok, to the rank of Phra Rachakhan Chai Khana Rong (Deputy Supreme Patriarch), with the royal title Phra Phromavichirmuni, effective from August 16, 2025, and announced on August 17, 2025, the 11th year of the current reign.

Simultaneously, the Royal Gazette published a royal decree conferring Phra Rachakhan rank certificates on 13 monks: Phra Thepvichikkunathar of Wat Ban Pleuay Yai, Roi Et (as Phra Thammavirakhkunathar); Phra Rajvichimethi of Wat Trimitwitthayaram, Bangkok (as Phra Theppariyattivat Chramet); Phra Yanavilat of Wat Pa Thong Tham, Roi Et (as Phra Rajyanavichiropha); Phra Pimolbhawanaphithan of Wat Rakang Kohasitataram (as Phra Rajvattharaphawanaphithan); Phra Srithiraphong of Wat Thong Nop Khun (as Phra Rajvatthasaramet); Phra Kru Pariyattivraabhirak of Wat Nong I Buat, Sirindhon (as Phra Pariyattavachirathan); Phra Kru Srivichittavat of Wat Satthu, Khon Kaen (as Phra Pariyattavat Chrasunthon); Phra Kru Santikit Janukam of Wat Bang Somak, Chachoengsao (as Phra Bhawanavachiravichit); Phra Kru Srivichirwong of Wat Suthat Thepwararam (as Phra Pariyattavat Chraveth); Phra Kru Choti Thammaprakat of Wat Kasetthrap Pattanaram, Roi Et (as Phra Vachirthammachoti); Phra Kru Siddhiphawananusat of Wat Sri Song Muang, Chiang Mai (as Phra Bhawanavachirathadat); Phra Kru Srikitti Varodom of Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram (as Phra Kittivachirodom); and Phra Maha Adirek Techavano of Wat Bang Tanai, Pathum Thani (as Phra Udomvachirasuddhi). The appointments are effective from August 16, 2025, and were announced on August 17, 2025.