Thai King Grants Ecclesiastical Certificates to Five Monks
The Thai King has granted ecclesiastical certificates and elevated titles to five Buddhist monks across major Bangkok temples, including appointments to senior scholar and abbot positions effective July 8, 2026.
The Royal Thai Government Gazette published a royal decree granting ecclesiastical certificates and monastic titles to five Buddhist monks as follows, announced on July 9, 2569 (2026):
1. Phra Pariyattiwranukhul is appointed Phra Rajpariyattiwranukhul, a senior scholar and abbot-in-residence at Wat Boromnivatrajvraviharn, the principal royal temple in Bangkok. Four subordinate monastic positions have been established under him: assistant abbot, sangha protector, group leader, and scriptural keeper.
2. Phra Srisittiwetthet is appointed Phra Rajvatchraichaimetthi, a triple-canon scholar at Wat Mahapruttharam in Bangkok, with four subordinate positions similarly established.
3. Phra Sutthiratbhandi is appointed Phra Rajsutthiwatchrabandi, a triple-canon scholar at Wat Sutthiwraram in Bangkok, with four subordinate positions established.
4. Phra Udombhandi is appointed Phra Rajuddomvatchraimetthi, a triple-canon scholar at Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram in Bangkok, with four subordinate positions established.
5. Phra Mahawitthira (nine-grade monk) of Wat Phra Chettuphon Vimolmangkhalaram is appointed Phra Krusriwitthisutthi.
These appointments take effect from July 8, 2569 (2026) and were officially announced on July 9, 2569, the eleventh year of the current reign.
