Buddhists commemorate Visakha Bucha Day

In Bangkok, city deputy governor Amorn Kijchawengkul led officials and public members to offer alms to 10 senior monks and 234 other monks in the morning at Sanam Luang. 

As part of the event to mark Visakha Bucha Day and also to make merit for HM the King’s 89th birthday and HM the Queen’s 84th birthday, the city administration and related organisations have, since May 14, organised exhibitions about Buddhism and related activities, which concluded yesterday. 

The Buddha Relic that was brought from the Royal Palace to a temporary shrine in Sanam Luang was also returned to the palace later last night following the evening candlelight procession and the city’s four-corner robe-offering ceremony.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, currently away on a visit to Russia, invited Thai Buddhists to make merit, follow Buddhism’s five precepts, be mindful and at peace, Government Spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said. 

The premier also urged people to perform their duties keeping in the mind the benefits of all people and respect the laws of the land.

The day was celebrated throughout the country, including in Buri Ram’s Muang district, where provincial Governor Seri Srihatrai led Buddhists to drape a 30-metre-long ‘Angsa’ fabric along the 297-steps to cover the sacred Phra Supabopit, the 24-metre-tall Buddha image on top of Khao Kradong Volcano.

Even in the restive deep South, Buddhists made merit at temples. In Yala’s Muang district, besides merit-making activities, Wat Weruwan and Wal Lak Ha held day-time candlelight processions, while the other 15 sites organised evening ones.

The controversial Wat Phra Dhammakaya in Pathum Thani also celebrated Visakha Bucha Day with morning alms offerings to 3,000 monks, the 17-novice ordination ritual, and an evening candlelight offering. The temple’s communications office director Phra Sanitwong Wutthiwaso also revealed that the Indonesian government had allowed Buddhist organisations to officially host Visakha Bucha Day celebrations at Borobudur today and tomorrow.

Many border provinces also saw Buddhists from neighbouring countries joining in merit-making on Visakha Bucha Day. In Ranong, Thai and Myanmar people came together to make alms offerings to monks and refrain from vices at Wat Suwan Khiri in Muang district. In Tak’s Mae Sot district, people joined the morning alms offerings to 100 Thai-Myanmar monks on Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge 1. 

In Beung Kan, Governor Pongsak Preechawit led some 500 public members, including Lao nationals, to offer alms to 88 monks and go to a preaching and meditation session at Wat Pa Chotiros Thammakorn.