Phuthachan (Thai: พุฒาจารย์, Buḍhācārya,), formerly Phutthachan (Thai: พุทธาจารย์, Buddhācārya,), is an ecclesiastical title given to senior members of the Thai sangha, the community of Buddhist monks in Thailand.[1]
In the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the title Buddhācārya was preserved for Buddhist monks who were patriarchs of the sect of araṇyavāsī (Thai: อรัญวาสี; ;).[1]
In 2394 (1851/52), the title Buddhācārya was modified to Buḍhācārya by King Rama IV, who gave it to Son (Thai: สน), the abbot of Wat Saket.[2]
Holders of this title include: