British-born Ajahn Jayasaro becomes Somdet monk

A British-born Buddhist monk has become the first person born overseas to receive Thailand's senior ecclesiastical rank of Somdet Phra Ratchakhana.

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His Majesty the King elevated Ajahn Jayasaro, now known by the title Somdet Phra Maha Phatcharayanamuni, alongside seven other senior monks in a royal command published by the Royal Gazette on Tuesday, July 14.

The eight monks were recognised for their virtue and major service to Buddhism. For foreigners living in Thailand, the appointment is a notable recognition of the long-standing international presence within the country's Buddhist monastic tradition.

From the Isle of Wight to Thai forest monasteries

Ajahn Jayasaro was born Shaun Michael Chiverton on January 7, 1958, on the Isle of Wight in England. His interest in truth and the meaning of life led him to travel through several countries before he encountered Buddhist teachings and arrived in Thailand in 1978.

He became a disciple of Phra Bodhinyanathera, better known as Luang Por Chah Subhaddo of Wat Nong Pah Pong in Ubon Ratchathani. Luang Por Chah was a leading Thai Forest Tradition meditation master and helped establish foundations for spreading Buddhism among foreigners.

In 1980, Ajahn Jayasaro was ordained first as a novice and then as a monk, with Luang Por Chah as his preceptor. He continued his Dhamma studies and forest meditation practice.

Between 1997 and 2002, he served as abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani. The monastery remains an important centre for foreign monks studying and practising in Luang Por Chah's lineage.

Royal recognition after decades in Thailand

Ajahn Jayasaro received special royal permission to become a naturalised Thai citizen in 2020. In 2024, he was raised to deputy Somdet Phra Ratchakhana, under the title Phra Phrom Phatcharayanamuni.

His latest elevation makes him the first overseas-born monk to reach the Somdet Phra Ratchakhana rank in Thailand. He currently lives at Ban Rai Thawsi Monastic Residence in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

The other monks elevated by the King were Phra Phrom Wachiramongkhon, now Somdet Phra Yannawachiramongkhon; Phra Phrom Wachirathibodi, now Somdet Phra Maha Wachirathibodi; Phra Phrom Wachiramuni, now Somdet Phra Sutthatsana Wachiramuni; and Phra Phrom Wachirakon, now Somdet Phra Phuttha Wachirakon.

Also elevated were Phra Phrom Dilok, now Somdet Phra Maha Wachirakhun Dilok; Phra Phrom Moli, now Somdet Phra Wachirarattanamoli; and Phra Phrom Sitthi, now Somdet Phra Wachirasitthathachan.

A bridge for Thai and international Buddhists

Somdet Phra Maha Phatcharayanamuni has given Dhamma talks, led meditation training and produced written works intended to make Buddhist teaching accessible to Thais and foreigners. His best-known work, "Uppalamani", compiles the life and spiritual practice of Luang Por Chah.

For expatriates and visitors interested in meditation or the Thai Forest Tradition, his career also highlights the established links between Thailand's monasteries and international Buddhist communities.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

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15 July 2026