Excitement surrounds a 6-year, 8-month-old novice monk registering to take the “Song Phra Patimok” exam, testing advanced knowledge of Buddhist monastic discipline, with hopes of setting the youngest age record in the country.
On 5 May 2026 GMT+7, reporter coverage noted that Phra Maha Jai Khemachitto, chairman of the project, announced via the Facebook page “J. Khemachit” the opening of registration for novice monks dedicated to taking the Song Phra Patimok exam for the Buddhist year 2569 (2026 CE). So far, 13 novice monks from temples across the country have registered.
What draws particular attention is “Novice Tern Apiwansanong” who is only 6 years and 8 months old from Nikomphang 16 Temple, Nong Sarai Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. He is the youngest candidate this year, and if he passes, he will break the previous record held by “Novice Thanakorn Sodajan” who passed the exam in 2025 (2022 CE) at the age of 9.
Recently, our news team visited Nikomphang 16 Temple, Nong Sarai Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and met Novice Tern Apiwansanong, aged 6. He said he has spent about six months training, practicing memorization daily. He has been ordained for 1 year and 1 month and has no plans to disrobe. He expects to continue studying the Dhamma, with full support from his parents.
Phra Maha Chid Wachirayanon, abbot of Nikomphang 16 Temple and Tern’s mentor, revealed that Novice Tern was ordained at a very young age. He is patient, responsible, adapts well to monastic life, and shows strong interest in the Pali language and chanting.
Training to recite the Phra Patimok involves difficult content requiring great diligence, memory, and concentration. Novice Tern has memorized all the verses and now focuses on linking the content smoothly to prepare fully for the exam.
Phra Maha Chid added that Tern’s inspiration comes from seeing senior monks at the temple able to recite the Phra Patimok at a young age, along with strong family support, motivating him to train continuously.
The Song Phra Patimok exam tests advanced knowledge of Buddhist monastic discipline. If Novice Tern passes, it will be a source of pride and set a new record in Thai Buddhist history.