The Supreme Patriarch laid the foundation stones for two buildings at Somdet Phra Sangharaja Hospital (Amphornmahathera). The Prime Minister served as the lay chairman, overseeing the upgrade of Damnoen Saduak Hospital to expand health services for monks, the elderly, and chronic patients in the area.
At 09:30 on 5 September 2026, the ceremony took place at Somdet Phra Sangharaja Hospital (Amphornmahathera), located in Thanat subdistrict, Damnoen Saduak district, Ratchaburi province. The Supreme Patriarch, Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, presided over the chanting ceremony and laid the foundation stones for the Chalongsatwats Building and the Pipat Sataporn Building, part of the project to construct facilities for medical examination, health promotion, and rehabilitation.
. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul served as the lay chairman of the event. Also present were Naphin Sriphang, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office; Pattana Prompat, Minister of Public Health; Yupa Taweewattanakitboworn, Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office; Thitiklak Khampha, Governor of Ratchaburi Province; government executives; medical personnel; and local citizens who attended to welcome the Supreme Patriarch and participate in the ceremony.
Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that upon arrival at the ceremony, the Prime Minister lit incense and candles to pay respects to the Triple Gem and offered worship items to the Supreme Patriarch. The Minister of Public Health then reported on the project's background. The Prime Minister presented the foundation stone plaque for consecration and gilding. Subsequently, the Supreme Patriarch proceeded to the altar to lay the foundation stone, scatter flower petals mixed with popped rice, and sprinkle holy water at the ceremony site.
This hospital development represents a major upgrade of infrastructure and public health services in Ratchaburi province. It aims to expand services for Buddhist monks and increase access for all groups including the elderly, chronic patients, and local residents to efficient medical care, while preparing for future service demands.
. The project originated from the Supreme Patriarch, Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, granting permission to the Ministry of Public Health to rename Damnoen Saduak Hospital in Ratchaburi province as “Somdet Phra Sangharaja Hospital (Amphornmahathera).” This renaming honors his upcoming 100th birthday in 2027 and seeks to enhance care capacity for monks, the elderly, chronic patients, and local residents, ensuring equitable access to quality medical services.
The Ministry of Public Health allocated its 2026 fiscal year budget to construct two buildings: (1) Chalongsatwats Building for primary medical examination and health promotion, and (2) Pipat Sataporn Building for rehabilitation, on a 7 rai 34 square wah plot of land.
Both buildings serve as hospital expansions focusing on elderly care and health promotion to provide equitable medical access. This aligns with the Supreme Patriarch’s vision and government policy to bring healthcare closer to communities, reduce overcrowding, and lessen patient referrals to larger hospitals, benefiting residents of Damnoen Saduak district, Ratchaburi province, and surrounding areas.
