On 7 May 2024, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, as lay chairman, presided over the Ceremony to Celebrate Ordination and Bestowal of Rank to Phra Khru Siripothiwithes at Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, upon the Royal Command of His Majesty the King of Thailand bestowing Phra Maha Amnuay Wannasito, Level-5 Pali Scholar, the title of Venerable Teacher (Phra Khru) Siripothiwithes since 3 December 2023.

 

The Ceremony was chaired by His Holiness Somdet Phra Maha Thirachan, Board Member of the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand, President of the Regulatory Office for Overseas Dhammaduta Bhikkhus, and Abbot of Chetuphon Vimonmangklaram Rajwaramahawihan Temple (Wat Pho). 10 ecclesiastically and honorifically ranking monks, 90 Thai and Malaysian monks, as well as over 100 Thai and Malaysian Buddhists were also present.

 

At 10.30 hrs., His Holiness Somdet Phra Maha Thirachan lighted incenses and candles, praising to the Triple Gem. The Ambassador then paid homage to His Holiness and His Majesty the King, opened the flower cone in front of the portrait of His Majesty the King, followed by the reading of the Royal Command bestowing Phra Khru Siripothiwithes. Subsequently, 10 ecclesiastically and honorifically ranking monks chanted the holy stanza. The Ambassador then presented an offering to His Holiness while attendees also presented offerings to the monks, followed by the Sammodana of His Holiness and thanksgiving by the monks.

 

On the same occasion, Dato’ Sa Wai Boon Chok Phongprayoon, Honorary Secretary of Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple, received the 2020 Sima Dhammacakka Award from His Holiness Somdet Phra Maha Thirachan. The Sima Dhammacakka, awarded by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, is bestowed on individuals in recognition of their contribution to the benefits of Buddhism.