On June 19, 2026, at approximately 6:00 PM, the 4th Bodhigaya Nagadhipati Award Ceremony was held at the Phaya Puchong Nakharat Courtyard, Krabi Provincial Administrative Organization. This year, a grand worship and celebration ceremony was organized. What garnered tremendous interest was the traditional worship dance dedicated to Grandfather Puchong Nakharat by Bella - Ranee Campen, the renowned leading actress of the era, and the dedication dance by Miss Pavarawan Verapuchong, also known as Ava, a famous influencer with over 16 million followers across all platforms. For the 4th Bodhigaya Nagadhipati Awards, there were 6 awardees in total: 2 senior monks, 3 laypeople, and 1 organization, spanning across 3 categories which are the Buddhist Affairs Promotion Category, the Buddhist Art Category, and the Buddhist Affairs Promotion Category.
The Bodhigaya Nagadhipati Award is an award that praises, honors, and proclaims the prestige of individuals, groups of people, and organizations with outstanding achievements in supporting, promoting, propagating, and protecting Buddhism. The name of the award, Bodhigaya Nagadhipati, holds a profound meaning:
Bodhi refers to the wisdom of enlightenment and awakening.
Gaya refers to the land of enlightenment of the Lord Buddha.
Nagadhipati refers to a great one, a virtuous one, likened to a Naga king who protects the true Dhamma.
The Bodhigaya Nagadhipati Award committee is chaired by Dr. Aphai Chantaneejulaka, along with Dr. Supachai Verapuchong, Secretary-General of the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute, and the executive committee members of the Bodhigaya Institute from various professions, such as the judicial system, foreign affairs, national security, business administration, and mass media. This is done in collaboration with Venerable Phra Rajyanawachirawethi, Dean of the Faculty of Buddhism, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU).
There are 4 awards given to the recipients of the Bodhigaya Nagadhipati Award in the Buddhist Affairs Promotion Category, which are:
1). Most Venerable Somdet Phra Maha Ratchamongkolmuni (Thongchai Dhammathacho), or Somdet Thongchai, a Somdet Phra Racha Khana (High-Ranking Monk) of the Mahayana sect, the Ecclesiastical Regional Governor of the Central Region, Member of the Sangha Supreme Council, and Assistant Abbot of Wat Traimitr Withayaram Worawihan. His Holiness Somdet Thongchai plays a prominent role in promoting Buddhist affairs, such as promoting both study and Dhamma practice concurrently. He emphasizes both Ganthadhura (the study of Dhamma) and Vipassanadhura (the practice of meditation). He also supports the systematic propagation of Dhamma according to the Tripitaka by traveling to perform religious duties nationwide. Furthermore, he is a senior monk with an outstanding role in Thai-Chinese relations, helping to forge cooperation in education, culture, and religion. Besides his Sangha administrative duties, His Holiness Somdet Thongchai is also renowned for conducting Buddhist consecration ceremonies for Buddha statues and various sacred amulets to connect people closer to temples and Buddhism, focusing on 4 core concepts:
1). Change: Changing with the world.
2). Innovation: Entering a new era, stepping towards innovation.
3). Idealist: Generating new concepts for national development.
4). Freedom: Liberty.
2). Most Venerable Phra Phrom Sakayawongwisut (Anilman Dhammasakiyo), Assistant Abbot of Wat Bowonniwet Vihara and Advisor to the Ecclesiastical Regional Governor of Regions 6-7 (Dhammayut). He is a senior monk with a prominent role in propagating Buddhism internationally, promoting Buddhist education, and building understanding among various religions and cultures. He is a former Nepalese monk of Shakya descent who came to study and reside in Thailand for a long period. The Most Venerable Phra Phrom Sakayawongwisut acts as a connecting bridge between Thai Buddhism and the international community. Due to his linguistic abilities, he is frequently invited to give lectures, attend academic conferences, and participate in global Buddhist activities. He also plays an active role in the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB), helping to propagate Theravada Buddhism on the global stage.
3). Dr. Bancha Pongpanich, Committee Member and Secretary of the Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives Foundation (BIA). He is an individual with an outstanding role in continuously researching, compiling, and disseminating knowledge about Buddhism, particularly concerning the life of the Buddha, Dhamma teachings, and Buddhist cultural heritage that deeply connects the concept of Buddhaphumi-Suvarnabhumi (the Buddha's Homeland and the Golden Land). After receiving the Bodhigaya Nagadhipati Award, Dr. Bancha stated on stage that Krabi Province is a center of numerous auspicious artifacts. These include the Mauryan ring from the Takola civilization era, the oldest gold coin in the Suvarnabhumi region dating back to the reign of King Vishnuvarman, as well as Chinese Han Dynasty coins. Most recently, a German scholar discovered an amulet known as a Luluna(Lunula) in Krabi, which is believed to date back to the Alexandria era of Egypt.
4). The Pilun-Owat Foundation, a charitable organization that adheres to Buddhist principles as a crucial foundation for developing people, society, and communities. It aims to promote education, propagate, and uphold Buddhism in tandem with concrete social welfare and public benefit operations. This is conducted under the core principle of Compassion, Creating Value, Elevating Life Towards a Sustainable Society. A representative of the Pilun-Owat Foundation stated after receiving the award that for Buddhism to flourish, it depends on the people who are aware and actively involved. The Pilun-Owat Foundation continues to promote Buddhism, extending its reach beyond temples and historical sites down to the family level. This is achieved by integrating the public sector, private sector, network partners, and volunteers, with an emphasis on learning about Sila (Morality), Samadhi (Concentration), and Panya (Wisdom).
4). The Pilun-Owat Foundation, a charitable organization that adheres to Buddhist principles as a crucial foundation for developing people, society, and communities. It aims to promote education, propagate, and uphold Buddhism in tandem with concrete social welfare and public benefit operations. This is conducted under the core principle of Compassion, Creating Value, Elevating Life Towards a Sustainable Society. A representative of the Pilun-Owat Foundation stated after receiving the award that for Buddhism to flourish, it depends on the people who are aware and actively involved. The Pilun-Owat Foundation continues to promote Buddhism, extending its reach beyond temples and historical sites down to the family level. This is achieved by integrating the public sector, private sector, network partners, and volunteers, with an emphasis on learning about Sila (Morality), Samadhi (Concentration), and Panya (Wisdom).
The recipient of the Bodhigaya Nagadhipati Award in the Buddhist Art Category (1 award) is:
5). Mr. Santi Pichetchaiyakul, a world-class Thai sculptor renowned for crafting lifelike sculptures of prominent figures such as monarchs, monks, and significant historical figures. Ajarn (Master) Santi developed an interest in art and sculpture from a young age, honing his skills until gaining both national and international recognition. He is highly regarded as one of Thailand's most influential creators of contemporary Buddhist art over the past several decades. After receiving the Bodhigaya Nagadhipati Award, Ajarn Santi emphasized the Four Noble Truths: Dukkha (Suffering), Samudaya (Origin of Suffering), Nirodha (Cessation of Suffering), and Magga (Path to the Cessation of Suffering). He stressed that humans cannot escape death, and thus, he wishes to pass away leaving behind a legacy of goodness. He pledged to dedicate the rest of his life to the Nation, the Religion, and the Monarchy. Previously, Ajarn Santi sculpted a royal statue of His Majesty King Rama IX to present to His Majesty King Rama X. Moving forward, he plans to sculpt royal statues of King Rama IX for all 77 provinces nationwide.
The recipient of the Bodhigaya Nagadhipati Award in the Mass Media for Buddhism Category (1 award) is:
6). Dr. Athip Asavanund, a practical Dhamma communicator who aims to take Buddhism beyond the framework of theoretical knowledge towards practical application in daily life. This particularly applies to topics such as Samadhi (concentration), Vipassana (insight meditation), work, Lokadhamma (worldly conditions), human dignity, and establishing a strong mental foundation amidst the rapid changes in the era of technology and artificial intelligence. Dr. Athip expressed his gratitude to the Bodhigaya Institute for the honor of receiving this award for his role as a communicator, sharing the positive aspects derived from Buddhism with laypeople who are facing life crises and encountering impermanence. He described his approach as communicating and exchanging ideas as a Kalyanamitta (noble friend) rather than as a teacher or master, with a strong emphasis on applying Buddhism to solve real-life problems.
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The 4th Bodhigaya Nagadhipati Award Ceremony concluded beautifully, illuminated by a spectacular display of fireworks. The 6 award recipients and representatives were invited on stage for a group photo alongside the Governor of Krabi Province, the Chief Executive of the Krabi Provincial Administrative Organization, and the executive committee members of the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute. The executive members included Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, General Ninnat Biewkhaimuk, General Yosnan Raijaroen, Mr. Pornthep Ampornkilngaeo, Mr. Surasak Treerattrakul, Dr. Monthon Suwannarak (D.D.S.), Mr. Surapon Maneepong, Mr. Kasem Moonchan, Ms. Thipawan Verapuchong, Mr. Worasak Prayoonsuk, and Mr. Dumrit Wiriyakul.
The 4th Bodhigaya Nagadhipati Award Ceremony marks another historical chapter for the sacred land of Krabi Province. It was successfully accomplished through the collaboration of the Bodhigaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute and the Faculty of Buddhism, MCU, with support from the Verapuchong Foundation, Krabi Province, the Krabi Provincial Administrative Organization, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and NBT South Television Station. The event was also broadcast live to 14 southern provinces.
