Somdet Phra Maha Muniwong (Phichit Thitavaṇṇo)

Somdet Phra Mahāmunīwong (Thai: สมเด็จพระมหามุนีวงศ์; born Phichit Thawornsuwan พิจิตร ถาวรสุวรรณ, monastic name Thitavanno ฐิตวณฺโณ; 24 June 1936 – 25 December 2024) was a senior Thai Buddhist monk of the Dhammayuttika Nikaya. He was the former abbot of Wat Somanas Rajavaravihara, a member of the Supreme Sangha Council (as adviser), and advisor to the ecclesiastical region of Bangkok and Southern Thailand.

Biography

Early life Somdet Phra Mahāmunīwong was born Phichit Thawornsuwan on 24 June 1936 in Phang Kham village, Sathing Phra District, Songkhla Province, Thailand. He was the eldest of nine children of Kaew and Pho-lian Thawornsuwan. After his parents moved away for work, he was raised by his grandmother, Chum Jaemsai. At age eight he moved to Don Khan village, where he attended Luesit Witthaya School, Wat Thammapradit, completing his primary education before working with his parents.

Death Somdet Phra Mahāmunīwong was admitted to Chulalongkorn Hospital in December 2024 and later transferred to Priest Hospital for physical rehabilitation. He died peacefully on 25 December 2024, aged 88, in his 68th rains-retreats as a monk.

The royal cremation ceremony took place on 27 April 2025, presided over by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at Wat Thepsirin.

Administrative roles 1975–1996 – Assistant abbot, Wat Somanas.

Works and contributions Authored more than 63 books on Buddhism, of which 20 were published by Mahamakut Buddhist University. Meditation teacher at Wat Somanas and Mahamakut Buddhist University, with more than 20 years’ experience. Lecturer in Buddhist Studies for both undergraduate and graduate levels. Travelled to more than 20 countries for Buddhist education and missionary work.

Works A Buddhist Way of Mental Training (2001), Chuan Printing Press, Bangkok. Over 70 additional titles on Buddhism and meditation in Thai.