The Supreme Sangha Council resolved that His Majesty the King has graciously appointed Phra Phrom Wachiradilok (Saman Sumetho) as the abbot of Wat Pa Saeng Arun, a royal monastery in Khon Kaen province.
A reporter stated that at the 12th Supreme Sangha Council meeting on 20 May 2026, Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch and President of the Supreme Sangha Council, ordered that the meeting be conducted according to the council's regulations.
At this meeting, Somdet Phra Thirayanmuni, the most senior royal ecclesiastic present, chaired the meeting and directed the proceedings following the agenda of the 12th Supreme Sangha Council meeting of 2026, with council members and advisors in attendance.
In attendance were Mrs. Udomporn Ekaem, Director of the National Office of Buddhism and Secretary-General of the Supreme Sangha Council, along with relevant officials from the National Office of Buddhism.
It was reported that the council acknowledged the royal edict of the Supreme Patriarch presenting His Majesty the King’s gracious royal command to elevate five common temples to royal monastery status in honor of Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of the auspicious 4th cycle birthday anniversary on 3 June 2026. The five temples are:
1. Wat Asokaram, Samut Prakan province
2. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, Lampang province
3. Wat Pa Saeng Arun, Khon Kaen province
4. Wat Ratchapradit (Wat Phako), Songkhla province
5. Wat Salakodom, Sing Buri province
Furthermore, His Majesty the King graciously appointed Phra Phrom Wachiradilok (Saman Sumetho) as abbot of Wat Pa Saeng Arun Royal Monastery, located in Phra Lap Subdistrict, Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen province. The Supreme Sangha Council acknowledged the royal decree and expressed their respectful congratulations, also recognizing the appointment of Phra Phrom Wachiradilok as abbot of Wat Pa Saeng Arun.
Additionally, the Supreme Sangha Council assigned regional ecclesiastical supervisors to appoint acting abbots for the other four royal monasteries and to propose abbot appointments according to relevant council regulations.