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Bangkok Bank has organized its 52nd congratulatory luncheon for Buddhist monks who have passed the examination in the 9th grade, the highest grade in Buddhist theology, in 2025 to help preserve Buddhism
Bangkok Bank has organized its 52nd congratulatory luncheon for Buddhist monks who have passed the examination in the 9th grade, the highest grade in Buddhist theology, in 2025 to help preserve Buddhism
Bangkok Bank, led by Director Mr. Arun Chirachavala, as the secular president, Director Mr. Chokechai Niljianskul, and Executive Vice President Pochanee Kongkalai, together with executives and staff, organized a ceremony to celebrate the graduates of the 9th Grade Buddhist Theology exam. This is the 52nd year the Bank has given offerings to monks and novices who passed their examination at the 9th grade, the highest grade in the curriculum of the Pali Department of Dharma. Phra Phrom Moli (Dhammaratano), Councilor of the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand, Maekong Bali Sanam Luang, Abbot of Wat Paknam, as the president of the clergy, gave fans, bags, three garments (robe, sarong, extra robe) and blessings to 72 monks and novices who passed the examination. The event was held at the auditorium on the 30th floor of Bangkok Bank Head office, Silom Road.
At the ceremony to celebrate those who passed the 9th Grade Buddhist Theology exam for 2025, there were 72 graduates comprising 53 monks and 19 novices. These 19 novices will receive royal patronage for their ordination as royal novices (Nak Luang) following ancient royal traditions at the Ubosot of Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. Additionally, they will be granted royal monastic requisites. The Bank takes great pride in supporting and fostering the education of the monastic community in alignment with its intended purpose.
Among them was Phra Maha Wacharin Aphipunyo, a monk known for his diligence and perseverance in both secular and Buddhist studies. He dedicated over 17 years to passing the highest level of Pali Buddhist studies, known as the 9th Grade Buddhist Theology exam, finally achieving success at the age of 57. He shared that his desire to prove himself transformed into a driving force to fully immerse himself in Pali studies, reaching the highest level. Despite the long journey, he never felt discouraged or regretted the time spent. During this period, he also pursued higher education, earning degrees in four different fields, namely Bachelor of Science from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Master of Education from Ratchathani University, Bachelor of Political Science from Ramkhamhaeng University and Bachelor of Abhidhamma Studies from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. He believes that secular education plays a crucial role in self-development and can be integrated with Buddhist studies. Moreover, his knowledge enables him to pass on these teachings to future generations of monks, novices, and Buddhist followers, helping them gain a correct and accessible understanding of the Buddha’s teachings that they can apply to their daily lives.
Beyond celebrating the academic achievements of monks and novices, the Bank also recognizes several other significant aspects. Monks and novices who complete the highest level of Buddhist studies are considered spiritual heirs of the Buddha, responsible for preserving and carrying forward his teachings. They also serve as invaluable human resources within the Thai monastic community, both now and in the future. Many will go on to become teachers, preachers, administrators, and leaders, equipped with the highest levels of knowledge, capability, and efficiency.
Bangkok Bank, as a trusted partner and reliable close friend, is the first and only company in the private sector that has held a ceremony to celebrate the graduates of the 9th Grade Buddhist Theology exam every year since 1974, making this the 52nd year. There has been a total of 2,007 monks and novices, comprising 1,669 monks and 338 novices, who have joined the ceremony. This event, in addition to congratulating the monks and novices who passed the exam, also demonstrates the Bank's intention to foster and encourage Buddhism going forward.
At the ceremony to celebrate those who passed the 9th Grade Buddhist Theology exam for 2025, there were 72 graduates comprising 53 monks and 19 novices. These 19 novices will receive royal patronage for their ordination as royal novices (Nak Luang) following ancient royal traditions at the Ubosot of Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. Additionally, they will be granted royal monastic requisites. The Bank takes great pride in supporting and fostering the education of the monastic community in alignment with its intended purpose.
Among them was Phra Maha Wacharin Aphipunyo, a monk known for his diligence and perseverance in both secular and Buddhist studies. He dedicated over 17 years to passing the highest level of Pali Buddhist studies, known as the 9th Grade Buddhist Theology exam, finally achieving success at the age of 57. He shared that his desire to prove himself transformed into a driving force to fully immerse himself in Pali studies, reaching the highest level. Despite the long journey, he never felt discouraged or regretted the time spent. During this period, he also pursued higher education, earning degrees in four different fields, namely Bachelor of Science from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Master of Education from Ratchathani University, Bachelor of Political Science from Ramkhamhaeng University and Bachelor of Abhidhamma Studies from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. He believes that secular education plays a crucial role in self-development and can be integrated with Buddhist studies. Moreover, his knowledge enables him to pass on these teachings to future generations of monks, novices, and Buddhist followers, helping them gain a correct and accessible understanding of the Buddha’s teachings that they can apply to their daily lives.
Beyond celebrating the academic achievements of monks and novices, the Bank also recognizes several other significant aspects. Monks and novices who complete the highest level of Buddhist studies are considered spiritual heirs of the Buddha, responsible for preserving and carrying forward his teachings. They also serve as invaluable human resources within the Thai monastic community, both now and in the future. Many will go on to become teachers, preachers, administrators, and leaders, equipped with the highest levels of knowledge, capability, and efficiency.
Bangkok Bank, as a trusted partner and reliable close friend, is the first and only company in the private sector that has held a ceremony to celebrate the graduates of the 9th Grade Buddhist Theology exam every year since 1974, making this the 52nd year. There has been a total of 2,007 monks and novices, comprising 1,669 monks and 338 novices, who have joined the ceremony. This event, in addition to congratulating the monks and novices who passed the exam, also demonstrates the Bank's intention to foster and encourage Buddhism going forward.
bangkokbank:assets/news/news-category/2025
June 06, 2025
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