Chawin Rangsipramanakul


Phra Maharatchakhru Phithi Si Wisutthikhun is the current Chief Royal Brahmin of Thailand. In addition to leading the Brahmin priests of the Bureau of the Royal Household, he also oversees Hindu–Brahmin religious organizations such as the Devasathan, the Hindu Samaj Association, and the Hindu Dharma Sabha.

Biography

Chawin Rangsipramanakul was born on 11 January 1953 to Phra Ratchakhru Wathepmuni (Somchit Rangsipramanakul) and Sirima Rangsipramanakul. He was a premature baby and in fragile health, prompting doctors to recommend that he drink plenty of water. His grandparents gave him the childhood nickname “Uth” to avert misfortune. He has three younger siblings: Songsorn, Sril, and Sirichit.
Chawin began his education at Somthawin Kindergarten, continued primary school at Hongsuranun School, junior high at Wat Bowonniwet School, and senior high at Debsirin School. He later earned a Bachelor of Economics from the Faculty of Economics, Ramkhamhaeng University.
He married Walaiporn Rangsipramanakul, daughter of Thapana Bunnag and Rita. On 23 May 2003, Bhumibol Adulyadej graciously bestowed the royal lustral water blessing for their wedding. The couple has no children.

Career

Phra Maharatchakhru Phithi Si Wisutthikhun was ordained as a Brahmin priest in 1978 and was trained by his father and senior Brahmins, including Brahmin Anantaburti and Swami Harihaji. In 1999, during the Sixth Cycle Birthday Celebrations of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, he was elevated from the rank of Phra Khru Wathepmuni to Phra Ratchakhru Wathepmuni.
In 2011, during the Seventh Cycle Birthday Celebrations of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, he received a royal appointment as Phra Maharatchakhru Phithi Si Wisutthikhun Wiboonwet Borom Hong Phromphong Pruettachari with the position of Chief Royal Brahmin.

Decorations