Ven. Phra Ratsilaporn

Phra Ratsilaporn (popularly known as Thanh Chaokhun Maha Samai) was ordained as a novice at the age of 14 in 1957 and took a higher ordination in 1963 at Wat Pathoomvanaram, Bangkok, Thailand.

He finished his early religious education by completing the three levels of Dhamma Studies and fifth grade in Pali language. After graduated from Mahamakut University, he came to Sydney in 1974 with Thanh Ajahn Boonjarit to support the Thai Dhammaduta mission with Phra Pariyattikavee and Phra Khantipalo as resident teachers. The Mahamakut Foundation has purchased a property in Stanmore for the first monk’s residence in Sydney. It was inaugurated by the Crown Prince of Thailand on the Vesak Day 1975.

Together with Thanh Chaokhun Suvirayan, Chaokhun Samai had looked after Stanmore for 14 years before moving to the new branch monastery, Wat Pa Buddharangsee at Leumeah in 1988.

During his stay in Australia, he has been given three titles by the King of Thailand, Phra Khru Sukhumapirak in 1982, Phra Vibunsilaporn in 1992 and Phra Ratsilaporn in 2005.

Having given good service to Buddhism in Australia for almost a half of his life, he was given an honorary Doctorate Degree in Buddhist Studies by Mahamakut University in 2004.

Chaokhun Samai is the abbot of Wat Pa Buddharangsee and spiritual patron of Bodhikusuma and Unibuds.