Phra Thep Worakun Abbot of Wat Boromniwat Ratchaworawihan, Bangkok

 

Biography of Phra Thep Worakun (Prasarn Panyatharo)

Abbot of Wat Boromniwat Ratchaworawihan, Bangkok

Acting Provincial Abbot of Nong Bua Lamphu (Thammayut)

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1. Overview of Wat Boromniwat

Wat Boromniwat, located in Rong Mueang Subdistrict, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, is one of the earliest Buddhist temples founded by royal patronage. Established in 1834 under the royal command of King Rama IV, it sits along the banks of the Mahanak Canal. The temple was intended as a monastic center for monks of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya, specifically the Aranyawasi sect, which emphasizes Vipassana (insight) meditation.

Together with Wat Bowonniwet Vihara—which is devoted to the academic study of Dhamma—Wat Boromniwat holds significant historical and spiritual importance and has become widely known throughout Thailand.

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2. Biography of Phra Thep Worakun (Prasarn Panyatharo)

Early Life

• Birth Name: Prasan Penmongkhon

• Date of Birth: October 1, 1947

• Place of Birth: Ban Nong Wua So, Nong Wua So Subdistrict, Nong Wua So District, Udon Thani Province

• Parents: Mr. Pim and Mrs. Ta

He was a cheerful and active child, yet inclined towards religious life. He regularly accompanied his family to the temple for almsgiving and developed a deep affinity for Buddhist teachings from a young age.

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Ordination and Monastic Education

• Novice Ordination: July 3, 1967, at Wat Bunyanusorn, Udon Thani Province

• Full Ordination: February 28, 1968, at the same temple

Preceptor: Phra Phisan Khananukit (Wat Phisanranyawas)

Kammavācācariya: Phra Khru Sirichanwiwat (Wat Nong Waeng Yao)

Anusavanācariya: Phra Khru Sophon Khananurak (Wat Bunyanusorn)

Monastic Title Given: Panyatharo, meaning “Holder of Wisdom”

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Academic Qualifications

• 1973: Passed the 4th level of the Nak Dhamma Pali examination

• 1981: Bachelor of Religious Studies (B.R.S.), Mahamakut Buddhist University

• 1985: Master of Arts (M.A.), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India

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3. Monastic Career and Contributions

After completing his studies, Phra Thep Worakun moved to Wat Boromniwat, where he devoted his time to temple development and community service. His responsibilities grew over the years, earning trust and recognition within the Sangha.

Ecclesiastical Appointments

• 1990: Appointed Preceptor and Assistant Abbot

• 1998: Deputy Abbot of Region 8 (Dhammayut)

• 2004: Appointed Abbot of Wat Boromniwat

• 2005–2006: Acting Provincial Abbot of Loei Province

• 2009–Present: Acting Provincial Abbot of Nong Bua Lamphu (Dhammayut)

Ecclesiastical Titles

• 1990: Phra Khru Palat Suwatthanayanakun

• 1992: Elevated to Phra Amornmoli, third-class royal rank

• 1999: Promoted to Phra Ratcha Mongkhon Bandit

• 2007: Conferred the title Phra Thep Worakhun

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4. Present-Day Activities and Temple Development

Now in his seventies, Phra Thep Worakun continues to lead a humble life. He is deeply respected by junior monks under his guidance and remains actively involved in temple development.

He noted,

“More than 180 years have passed since Wat Boromniwat was founded. Many structures have deteriorated due to environmental factors. Renovating them is our way of honoring King Rama IV’s legacy and paying tribute to His Majesty the King’s contributions to Buddhism and the Thai people.”

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5. Fundraising and Commemorative Amulets

In 2020, Wat Boromniwat initiated a fundraising campaign to renovate the temple’s religious buildings. Due to the scale of the renovation, external funding support was necessary.

To support the effort, the temple offered Sirichanto Coin Tripartite Sets, minted in B.E. 2518 (1975):

• Eligibility: Available to donors contributing 3,000 THB

• Coin Set Includes:

  • Oval coin

  • Round coin

  • Arm-style copper coin

These coins are given as sacred tokens of appreciation for donors participating in this merit-making initiative.