Chiang mai: The Royal Thai Air Force Executive Relations Development Club (RTAF-ERRDC) took part in a significant event marking the groundbreaking ceremony for a third stupa that will house Buddha's relics. This ceremony was held at the Phra Maha That Naphametnidon Napapholphumisiri ceremonial grounds, located in Doi Inthanon, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province.
According to Thai News Agency, the ceremony on April 3, 2026, was attended by key figures, including Air Vice Marshal Prasit Damrongpreecha, Director of the Air Force Civil Affairs Department and Chairman of the Air Force Executive Relations Club, and Mr. Komol Chiaravanont, Executive Chairman of the Air Force Executive Relations Club. They were joined by the advisory committee for the stupa's construction, the club's executive committee, and partner networks. Mr. Komol Chiaravanont and Mr. Seksom Akraphan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, were instrumental in the auspicious acts of driving in the foundation stone and scattering rice and flowers, which are traditional gestures for good fortune.
Subsequently, a significant donation ceremony took place where Mr. Komol Chiaravanont contributed 1,000,000 baht to the construction fund. Additionally, the Executive Development Club of the Royal Thai Air Force donated 140,052 baht, and Mr. Sermsak Wongchai, a graduate of the 11th class of the Royal Thai Air Force's Executive Development Program, added 100,000 baht to the cause.
The project aims to uphold loyalty to the nation, religion, and monarchy, while preserving Thai art and culture for future generations. It seeks to enhance cultural tourism and strengthen the grassroots economy of nearby communities. His Holiness Somdej Phra Ariyavongsakhatayan, the Supreme Patriarch, provided the guiding principles for this project, which have been incorporated by the Fine Arts Department into the stupa's design and construction. The Royal Thai Air Force is encouraging contributions from agencies, organizations, and individuals to further support the stupa's construction.