Every year, in the days preceding and following December 5th, Thailand takes on a festive atmosphere. And for good reason - that date marks His Majesty the King's birthday anniversary. It is an occasion for His Majesty to undertake meritorious activities, not to mention private citizens who do good deeds and offer the merit to the king.

On December 5th, the king offerห ecclesiastic titles to monks coming from monasteries located throughout the kingdom. The titles from highest to lowest are: somdet, brohm, dhamm, thep, raj, and "saman", or common level. Below that is the level of Phra Kru. There are nine position of Somdet -- four for the Mahanikay Order and four for Dhammayut, the ninth being the Supreme Patriarch, which alternates between the two orders.

This year, Phra Brohmmuni (Jun) of Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, was elevated to the level of Somdet. His title being Somdet Phra Vanarat.

It is unusual to have two somdets in one monastery. However, there is a special allowance in the case of the Supreme Patriarch, and that is the case here.