Most Ven. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phra Thamvajirachindaphon
Member
Most Venerable Phra Thamvajirachindaphon (lay name Somkid Naowchompoo, สมคิด เนาว์ชมภู) is a senior Thai Buddhist monk of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya and a professor-doctor, widely respected for his leadership in Buddhist education and monastic administration in Thailand.
He was born on 3 March 1970 in Pong Yang Kok, Hang Chat District, Lampang Province, Thailand, and entered the monkhood as a novice in May 1983. He was fully ordained as a monk on 26 May 1990 at Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Mahasimaram in Bangkok.
Phra Thamvajirachindaphon holds multiple academic degrees — including a Bachelor’s in Buddhist Studies from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, a Master’s in Buddhist Studies from the University of Delhi (India), and a Doctorate in Buddhist Philosophy and Religion from Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University — reflecting his commitment to both traditional Buddhist and modern academic education.
In his ecclesiastical and professional career, he has served in key leadership positions such as: - Rector (President) of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU), one of Thailand’s leading Buddhist universities.
- Member of the Sangha Supreme Council (Gammakan Maha Thera Samakhom), participating in high-level Buddhist governance and policy decisions.
- Assistant Secretary-General to the Supreme Patriarch, playing a role in national Sangha administration.
- Deputy Regional Ecclesiastical Head and advisor for major monastic and ordination programs.
He has been involved in interfaith dialogues, Buddhist education outreach, international Buddhist events, and charitable programs, fostering both tradition and modern engagement in Buddhist learning and community development.
Overall, Ven. Phra Thamvajirachindaphon is recognized for his scholarly achievements, leadership in Buddhist higher education, and active contribution to the Thai Sangha’s administrative and educational missions.