Bangkok: His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen performed royal duties at Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Mahasimararam. On December 8, 2025, at 6:22 PM, the royal couple visited the temple to pay homage to King Chulalongkorn by laying a wreath and lighting incense and candles at his statue.
According to Thai News Agency, the King then proceeded into the main chapel to conduct royal merit-making ceremonies in memory of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) on the centenary of his passing, and King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) for his 100th anniversary of ascension to the throne. His Majesty lit incense and candles to honor various Buddha images that represent the birthdates of these monarchs and the Supreme Patriarch Prince Chinnaworasiriwat. Additionally, he paid respects to the royal ashes of King Rama VII, Queen Rambhai Barni, and King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.
The King also commanded Mr. Narut Thanyawong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Cabinet, to read the Royal Proclamation for elevating the royal rank and title of Prince Chinnaworasiriwat. A golden casket with royal insignia and ceremonial fan was presented before the royal throne containing the ashes of Prince Chinnaworasiriwat. The King also lit incense and candles at the urn containing his ashes and at statues of King Vajiravudh and King Prajadhipok.
Ten monks chanted Buddhist prayers, after which the King and Queen offered monastic robes. The monks conducted funeral rites, and the royal couple participated in pouring libations as monks offered blessings and additional prayers.
His Majesty the King also met with Mr. Chatchapol Chaiyaporn, the temple administrator, and Mrs. Udomporn Eka-iam of the National Office of Buddhism, who offered donations for charitable purposes. The King paid respects to the altar and royal portraits before leaving. Somdej Phra Ariyavongsakhatayan, the Supreme Patriarch, then presented a statue and a replica of a five-tiered white royal umbrella to the King and Queen.
The royal couple later proceeded to the western cloister, where they performed a ritual involving the five-tiered white umbrella, sprinkling holy water, and anointing its base. They raised the umbrella over the image of Somdej Phra Mahasamanachao Krom Phra Chinnaworavisutthithevarayawong and laid wreaths, offering incense and candles to this revered figure.
Somdej Phra Mahasamanachao Krom Phra Chinavoravisutthithevarayawong served as the Supreme Patriarch of the Sangha for 16 years, significantly contributing to Buddhism and the nation. His accomplishments include revising the Siamese edition of the Tripitaka, authoring the first Pali-Thai dictionary, and founding the Mahamakut Rajavidyalaya Foundation, which advanced Buddhist education and religious asset management.