Pattaya Holds Ceremony to Receive Supreme Patriarch’s Order Appointing Phra Thep Wachira Panyaphon as Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor
Chonburi, August 9th, 2026
A formal ceremony was held yesterday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at Wat Chaimongkol, a royal temple in Pattaya, to receive the appointment order of His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch elevating Phra Thep Wachira Panyaphon (Anan Thammachoto) to the position of Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor of Chonburi.
Phra Thep Wachira Panyaphon, who currently serves as Abbot of Wat Chaimongkol and Deputy Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor of Chonburi, was formally appointed to lead the Sangha administration in the province.
Somdet Phra Maharatchamongkhonmuni, Chief of the Central Ecclesiastical Region and a member of the Sangha Supreme Council from Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan, presided over the monastic side of the ceremony. Mr. Naris Niramaiwong, Governor of Chonburi Province, served as chairman of the lay side. Among the distinguished attendees were Mrs. Suphinya Niramaiwong, President of the Chonburi Red Cross Chapter; Mr. Phongthasit Pichanan, Deputy Governor of Chonburi; Mr. Anusak Phiriyamon, District Chief of Bang Lamung; Mr. Poramese Ngamphichet, Mayor of Pattaya City; senior monks, government officials, Buddhist devotees, and disciples of the temple.
During the ceremony, Somdet Phra Maharatchamongkhonmuni lit incense and candles in homage to the Triple Gem. Phra Thep Wachira Panyaphon, together with the provincial governor and temple representatives, then presented offerings. Governor Naris Niramaiwong proceeded to read the Supreme Patriarch’s appointment order.
The order, numbered 92/2569, states that by the authority vested under the Mahatherasamakhom regulations governing the appointment and removal of ecclesiastical administrators, and in accordance with the resolution of the 14th meeting of the Sangha Supreme Council on 19 June 2026, Phra Thep Wachira Panyaphon (Anan Thammachoto) of Wat Chaimongkol is appointed Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor of Chonburi, with full authority to administer the Sangha within the province in accordance with ecclesiastical regulations. The appointment takes effect from 24 June 2026.
Following the reading of the order, senior monks chanted the Jayamangala Gatha. Somdet Phra Maharatchamongkhonmuni then delivered a congratulatory address, stating that the position of Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor serves as a key pillar in the administration and governance of the provincial Sangha. He explained the important duties of overseeing ecclesiastical administrators and monks in their adherence to the Dhamma-Vinaya, advancing Buddhist affairs, and acting as a coordinating center between the Sangha, government agencies, and the public to foster peace and unity in society.
The Somdet also expressed his congratulations and appreciation for Phra Thep Wachira Panyaphon, describing him as a senior monk of exemplary conduct, abundant loving-kindness, and extensive experience in Sangha administration. He noted the monk’s significant contributions to promoting Dhamma and Pali studies in Chonburi and called upon the monastic community and Buddhist laypeople to support the new Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor in upholding and propagating Buddhism.
Phra Thep Wachira Panyaphon, whose lay name is Anan Bunchuayleua, is a native of Klaeng District in Rayong Province. He has long experience in both Sangha administration and religious education. He previously served as Deputy Abbot of Wat Chaimongkol before becoming Abbot of the royal temple, Deputy Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor, and Acting Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor of Chonburi, culminating in his formal appointment in 2026. He also serves as manager of the second provincial Pali Dhamma school at Wat Chaimongkol and has played a continuous role in supporting the education of monks, novices, and young people.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the provincial governor and Buddhist devotees presented appropriate offerings to the monks. Participants then poured water in dedication, received blessings, and had the opportunity to offer personal congratulations and respects to Phra Thep Wachira Panyaphon on the occasion of his appointment, in an atmosphere of joy and deep faith.
