On Sunday 3 January 2010, from 3.00 to 4.30 p.m., Ambassador Nopadol Gunavibool was invited to grace the ceremony organized by Thai Sangha Council in Singapore at Wat Ananda Metayarama to honour three senior Thai Buddhist monks on the occasion of their promotion to higher ranks. Also present in their honour were Mr. Marut Jitpatima, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Capt. Sutheepong Kaewtab and Gp. Capt. Mana Prasopsri, Navy and Air Attaches of the Royal Thai Embassy respectively, as well as some 60 Thais and Singaporeans.

The three Thai Buddhist monks, who were conferred the rank of “Phrakhru Sanyabat” by His Majesty King Bhumibol on the occasion of his birthday anniversary on 5 December 2009, were Phrakhru Sophon Buddhikhun, Chief Abbot of Wat Buddhikhun, (65 Duku Rd.); Phrakru Santi Dhammapitak, Chief Abbot of Wat Buddhasantisook, (691 Upper Changi Rd.); and Phrakru Bavana Kitvites, Chief Abbot of Wat Phradhammakaya, (146 B Paya Lebar Rd.).

Venerable Phrathep Sittivetes, Chief Abbot of Wat Ananda Metayarama, said in his remarks that the promotion of the three Thai monks to a higher rank were carefully considered and selected by Thai Sangha Council based on merit such as their contribution and dedication to the promotion of Buddhism in Singapore and their performing of social work in the community. Ambassador Nopadol congratulated the three monks and commended their good deeds, devotion, and contribution to the promotion of Budhism in Singapore. He also expressed appreciation to the cooperation from the Thai Sangha Council and all the monks at various Thai monasteries in Singapore in assisting and helping the Thai community as well as fostering friendship between the Thai and Singaporean peoples.