Thailand’s Supreme Patriarch, Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana, turned 99 years old on Friday. The government commemorated the occasion with a merit-making ceremony held at Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram in Bangkok. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led Buddhist chanting and an alms-giving ritual in honor of the religious leader’s milestone birthday. The ceremony acknowledged the Supreme Patriarch’s significant role as the head of Thailand’s Buddhist community. Details regarding further attendees were not immediately available. The event underscores the importance of Buddhism in Thai society and the respect afforded to its highest-ranking figure.