Chonburi, Thailand – On the auspicious occasion of the 88th birthday and 68th monastic anniversary of Phra Kru Panya Phatthanaphon, the revered abbot of Wat Phothisamphan and advisor to the Chonburi Provincial Monastic Committee, devoted followers from across Chonburi province gathered in large numbers at Wat Phothisamphan to express their reverence and gratitude.
The ceremony was marked by heartfelt tributes, including the presentation of Pali educational materials to the monastic school at Wat Sawang Fa Phruektharam. The event featured a series of sacred rituals, with ten senior monks chanting the Thaksinanupradan prayers to honor the great masters of the past, followed by nine senior monks performing the Chayamongkol Katha, a Buddhist mantra to bless Phra Kru Panya Phatthanaphon with longevity and prosperity.
The event was graced by prominent monastic figures from Banglamung district and Chonburi province, who joined in offering congratulatory baskets. Notable attendees included Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet, Deputy Mayor Wuthisak Rermkijakarn, Pattaya City Council President Banlue Kulavanich, Mike Group executive Surat Mekhawarakul, former Pattaya Mayor Nirand Wattanasartsathorn, local government officials, politicians, community leaders, and residents from Naklua sub-district. Devotees from far and wide set up food stalls, offering both savory and sweet dishes to provide alms to the monks and share meals with attendees, fostering a spirit of merit-making and goodwill.
Following the monks’ midday meal, the monastic community, lay devotees, and disciples participated in a ceremonial water-pouring ritual to express their collective respect and admiration for Phra Kru Panya Phatthanaphon.
Originally hailing from Phanat Nikhom district in Chonburi, Phra Kru Panya Phatthanaphon was ordained 68 years ago at Wat Pa Aranyika in Chonburi. Today, he holds the esteemed position of abbot of Wat Phothisamphan and serves as a respected advisor to the provincial monastic committee, earning deep reverence from monks and laypeople both within and beyond the region.
