Three senior-most monks elevated in the Royal Chapter

Phra Sansana Sophon, abbot of Wat  Ratchabopit where ashes of Royal Family members were interred, was elevated to the rank of Somdet Phra  Maha Muneewong, a first-tier appointment for the Royal Chapter.

Phra Phrom Munee, deputy abbot of Wat Boworn Niwes Vihara, was elevated to the topmost position of Somdet Phra Wannarat. His promotion marked a first time in the Rattakosin era for a deputy abbot to attain the first-tier rank of Somdet.

Wat Boworn is now the seat of two leaders of Thai monks, the Supreme Patriarch and Somdet Phra Wannarat.

Phra Dhamma Wisutthikawi, of Wat Somanas Vihara, was elevated to the second-tier position as Phra Sansana Sophon, replacing the incumbement from Wat Ratchabopit.

All three senior monks are from Dhamma Yukti sect, founded by King Rama IV when he was ordained into monkhood before ascending the throne.