British monk becomes first foreigner in Thai Buddhist hierarchy rank

British monk Shaun Chiverton, known as Ajahn Jayasaro, has become the first non-Thai national to be elevated to the second-highest rank in Thailand’s Buddhist hierarchy. At 68 years old, he has been granted the title of Somdet Phra Rachakhana, a distinction held by only 18 monks in the kingdom.

Chiverton, who was granted Thai nationality by royal decree in 2020, follows the Theravada forest tradition characterized by austerity and meditation. He is an author and spiritual teacher with a significant online following.