The Secretariat Office of the Supreme Patriarch announced that the Supreme Patriarch will refrain from attending public homage ceremonies for two months, except for important duties, in order to restore his health due to back pain.
On 13 May 2026, reporters reported that the Secretariat Office of the Supreme Patriarch issued an announcement regarding his official duties for May and June 2026. It stated that His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch, went for a health checkup at Siriraj Hospital due to back pain experienced while performing his duties.
The medical team provided care until his condition improved. However, given his advanced age of 99 years, the doctors requested that he rest from duties during May and June 2026 for two months. He will refrain from attending public homage ceremonies except for important duties during this period, which the medical team will evaluate case by case. This is to restore his health and avoid prolonged sitting until his condition returns to normal.
Furthermore, this information has been respectfully reported to His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch, who approved it. He also expressed gratitude for the concern shown by the public and kindly extended blessings in response on this occasion.