Smooth Hat Yai alms-giving ceremony

Ten thousands of monks from four countries participated in the ceremony, held by the Dhammakaya Movement's network in honour of all victims in the Deep South and the Ratchaprasong bombing. 

Some local residents have opposed this ceremony. Phichet Pongkhayan, a coordinator of a movement called a network to protect Hat Yai's Buddhism, said that the ceremony required road blocking which affects normal routines and is against Buddhism. He also said that with Dhammakaya Movement's involvement, the ceremony contained a hidden agenda. Plus, this event may have become a target of violent acts. About 40 men staged protest, about 200 metres from the event site. 

There was no violence, though, thanks to the mobilisation of police and military officers hours ahead of the start. The ceremony was joined by Buddhists in Hat Yai as well as tourists from other parts of Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.