The appointment takes effect immediately as the post became vacant after Phra Phromdilok (Euan Hasadhammo) was defrocked last Thursday over embezzlement and money-laundering charges.

The former monk is being held at Bangkok Remand Prison.

Chana Songkram Temple’s assistant abbot Phra Thepsutee (Saichon Thanawutto), in his capacity as the chief of Monastic Region 1 (Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan), named Phra Dhammasutee as Bangkok’s monastic chief.

The Sangha Supreme Council (SSC) will be asked to acknowledge the appointment on May 30.