HM the King elevates Chaimongkol Temple’s abbot

By Jetsada Homklin

August 2, 2019

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Pattaya Mayor Sontaya Kunplome, Banglamung District Culture Council member Surat Mekawarakul, government officers, local politicians, and honorable guests attended the ceremony to appoint and raise the monastic rank of Abbot Anan Thamachoto to Phraratchakhana Chan Raj at Chaimongkol Temple, July 29.

Pattaya – His Majesty the King has elevated the abbot of Chaimongkol Temple to the eighth-highest rank in the Thai Sangha.

The South Pattaya royal temple organized a July 29 parade to congratulate Abbot Anan Thamachoto, who also serves as ecclesiastical vice governor for Chonburi, on his promotion to Phraratchakhana Chan Raj, the fifth-highest rank in the second highest level of monkhood.

Abbot Anan Thamachoto (seated center) is surrounded by monks and government officials during the ceremony to celebrate his elevation to the monastic rank of Phraratchakhana Chan Raj at Chaimongkol Temple in Pattaya, July 29.

Known formally as Chao Khun Phra Panyarattanaporn, the abbot was conferred the title of Phra Racha Sansohon by HM the King, who elevated monks across the country on the occasion of his birthday.

Anan was congratulated by top Pattaya officials, business leaders and the public.

The parade proceeded from Sophon Market to Chaimongkol Temple and around the main hall. Moreover, government officers and local politicians welcomed high-ranked monks led by Ecclesiastical Gov. Thep Chonlatanmunee.

Chaimongkol’s lay leader Surat Mekawarakul read the official declaration of the abbot’s ascension after which 13 monks chanted Bahum.

Anan’s promotion will be celebrated at his Oct. 3 birthday party.