Bangkok - 31 October 2026: His Majesty the King graciously designated Air Vice Marshal Supichai Sunthonbura, Deputy Secretary-General of the Bureau of the Royal Household, to present the Suphanabhat (royal golden plaque bearing the monastic title), royal monastic insignia, incense and candle sets, lustration water, lotus petal trays, monastic robes, and royally bestowed offerings to Somdet Phra Mahawachirathibodi (Phee Suchato), Abbot of Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit, Advisor to the Bangkok Sangha Governor, and President of the University Council of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.

The ceremony took place at Ubosot of Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit, serving as the traditional Suphanabhat celebration in accordance with ancient royal traditions, alongside the religious ceremony celebrating His Holiness's 8th cycle (96th) auspicious birth anniversary.

On this occasion, Mrs. Udomporn Ek-iam, Director of the National Office of Buddhism, read the royal proclamation elevating the monastic rank to Somdet Phra Rachakhana (Supreme Patriarchate-level monk). Afterward, Somdet Phra Mahawachirathibodi presided over lighting candles and incense sticks to pay homage to the Triple Gem, while ten senior monks chanted verses of blessing (Jayamangala Katha) to celebrate the Suphanabhat in accordance with ancient royal traditions. The appointment ceremony for the monastic administrative official (Thananukrom) under Somdet Phra Mahawachirathibodi was also conducted.

At 10:00 AM, nine senior monks chanted Buddhamantra to celebrate the 8th cycle (96th) auspicious birth anniversary of Somdet Phra Mahawachirathibodi, President of the University Council of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.

In this regard, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phra Thepwatcharasaranabandit, Vice Rector for Planning and Development, acting as the Rector of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), led the administrative team, faculty members, and staff of MCU to attend the ceremony and offer collective congratulations and homage to the President of the University Council.