(Photo from: Postjung)
British-born monk Ajahn Jayasaro has become the first foreign-born monk in Thai history to be appointed as a Somdet, one of the highest ranks in Thailand’s Buddhist hierarchy.
Born in England as Shaun Chiverton, Ajahn Jayasaro came to Thailand in the late 1970s and trained under the legendary meditation master Ajahn Chah. Over the decades, he became one of the most respected teachers in the Thai Forest Tradition, known for his teachings in both Thai and English.
His promotion, approved by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, marks a historic moment for Thai Buddhism and highlights the global influence of Thailand’s Buddhist traditions.
The appointment is being celebrated as a major milestone for the international Buddhist community and a symbol of Buddhism’s ability to transcend national boundaries.