Thailand is preparing to hold the celebrations on the occasion of the 99th birthday anniversary of His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, 26 June 2026.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul recently signed an order appointing the National Commission for this event, which was named the “The Celebrations on the Occasion of His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand’s 99th Birthday Anniversary, 26th June 2026.”

Both royal and religious ceremonies will be organized to mark this auspicious occasion, while various projects and activities will also be held both in Thailand and overseas, such as Buddhist chanting and merit-making events and exhibitions.

The emblem commemorating the 99th birthday anniversary of His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch has been issued, with the following description:

"The emblem displays the royal monogram of His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, gracefully placed beneath a three-tiered white royal umbrella adorned with golden champaka tassels, in accordance with his exalted ecclesiastical rank. Encircling the monogram are 99 radiant gems, symbolizing the resplendent wisdom that His Holiness has cultivated and steadfastly embodied throughout his 99 years. 

"Nine white lotus blossoms, comprising a total of 99 petals, signify the purity and serenity of his virtuous conduct, ever flourishing in the Dhamma and firmly grounded in the 9 sublime qualities of the Sangha. These lotus flowers are enshrined within a crystal pavilion set against a red background, representing Sunday, the day of his birth.

"Beneath this appears the numeral 99, denoting his venerable age, set upon an ivory background, the color traditionally associated with his birth anniversary. Below is a pink ribbon, the auspicious color of his birth day, which is also the color commemorating the birth day of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the founder of Wat Rajabopit Sathitmahasimaram, the royal monastery of the Fifth Reign over which His Holiness presides. 

"The ribbon bears the inscription: “The Celebrations on the Occasion of His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand’s 99th Birthday Anniversary, 26th June 2026.”

Born in Ratchaburi Province on 26 June 1927, His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana was appointed the country’s 20th Supreme Patriarch in 2017. The Supreme Patriarch, Head of the Buddhist Order, serves as President of the Supreme Sangha Council and is responsible for all ecclesiastical affairs of the order.