“He was good at studies. He was able to complete Pali Scholar Level 3 while he was still a novice monk,” said Boontham Suksaidee, 90, from his hometown.

He spoke highly of Somdet Phra Maha Muneewong, now known as Somdet Phra Ariyawongsakhatayan (Ambhorn Ambharo), who grew up in the same neighbourhood. Both had spent years together as novice monks at Tri Yat Temple in Ratchaburi.

“Every year, he has returned to the temple to make merit for his late ancestors,” Boontham said.

The annual merit-making ritual usually takes place on February 12. This year, however, it is likely to be postponed as Somdet Phra Ariyawongsakhatayan is now scheduled to attend the investiture ceremony for his appointment as the country’s highest-ranking monk at the Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok on Sunday.

Although HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn has already chosen him as the new Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, there is a tradition to hold an investiture ceremony.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Kreangam yesterday said the ceremony would be similar to the one held for Somdet Phra Ariyawongsakhatayan’s predecessor when he was installed as the Kingdom’s top monk.

His Majesty will present holy water, the golden plate bearing the name of the Supreme Patriarch, and items associated with this important rank to the senior monk.

Members of the Royal Family will also pay their respects to the Supreme Patriarch during the ceremony.

Wissanu said Privy Council president General Prem Tinsulanonda, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, National Legislative Assembly President Pornpetch Wichitcholchai and Supreme Court President Veerapol Tungsuwan would also humbly pay homage to the country’s new highest-ranked monk at the investiture ritual.

Somdet Phra Ariyawongsakhatayan, 89, has been the abbot of Ratchabophit Temple in Bangkok since 2008.

The temple’s assistant abbot, Phram Prommunee, said Somdet Phra Ariyawongsakhatayan was travelling to provinces for religious work.

“We plan to organise a welcoming ceremony for the Supreme Patriarch at 6pm on February 12,” he said.

Ratchabophit Temple is the last royal monastery to have been built based on ancient traditions. Ratchabophit means “Built by the King”. This temple features traditional Thai-style exterior architecture and Western-style interiors. The monastery also hosts a royal cemetery, including four pagodas dedicated to King Rama V’s queens.

King Rama V is the great grandfather of the current monarch.

Somdet Phra Ariyawongsakhatayan is the 20th Supreme Patriarch of Thailand in the Rattanakosin Era, and the third from the Ratchabophit Temple. His younger brother, Phra Suthep Medhi Supatipanno, is now the monastic chief in Ratchaburi province.

“He has moved to the Ratchabophit Temple on the recommendation of a senior monk, now known as Somdet Phra Buddhapapochanabodee. He was introduced to the then-Supreme Patriarch too,” Phra Suthep Medhi Supatipanno said.