On August 18, 2024, Ms. Chuliepote Isarankura Na Ayudhaya, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, presided over the ceremony to honour the Venerable Phra Thepmongkolwachirarangsi (Surasak Chiwanantho, also known as Luanga Chi) at Wat Thai Washington, D.C. This ceremony marked the occasion of his promotion to a higher monastic rank bestowed upon by His Majesty the King of Thailand. On this occasion, Colonel Kitisak Kanchanavasita, Defense and Military Attaché, Captain Peerapong Yoosiri, RTN Naval Attaché and Assistant Defense Attaché, and Captain Prachya Tippayarat, Air Attaché and Assistant Defense Attaché, and their spouses, together with Embassy officials and their families, were also present at the ceremony. A significant number of Thai monks and disciples from across the US and overseas joined in honoring the Abbot.