His Majesty Graciously Grants Certificates of Ecclesiastical Rank to Three Buddhist Monks
King Maha Vajiralongkorn has elevated three Buddhist monks to the ecclesiastical rank of Phrarachakhan through royal decree, recognizing their spiritual leadership across temples in Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, and Bangkok provinces.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun has issued a royal decree granting ecclesiastical rank certificates to three Buddhist monks on May 11, 2025. The Royal Gazette website published the royal proclamation announcing the elevation of three monks to the rank of Phrarachakhan (ordinary class). The three recipients are: 1. Phra Kru Sophon Kunnathar from Wat Sali in Suphan Buri province, elevated to ordinary class Phrarachakhan with the new title Phra Sophon Vachirathada. 2. Phra Kru Kovit Sutkarn from Wat Khok Khema in Nakhon Pathom province, elevated to ordinary class Phrarachakhan with the new title Phra Vajradhamma Kovit. 3. Phra Kru Soraphanya Pisuthi from Wat Mai Thepnimit in Bangkok, elevated to ordinary class Phrarachakhan with the new title Phra Vajrapanya Suthee. These appointments are effective from May 9, 2025, and were officially announced on May 11, 2025, marking the 11th year of the current reign.