Sukhothai: The Ministry of Education organized the "Families Carry Baskets, Sharing Merit and Supporting the Community: Alms Giving at the Bridge of Merit, Welcoming the Dawn in Sukhothai" event to promote community engagement and religious tourism.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Culture, teamed up with Sukhothai Province and the Sukhothai Provincial Cultural Office to host a religious activity on a Buddhist holy day. The event, held at the Merit Bridge of Wat Traphang Thong, Sukhothai Province, was presided over by Phra Maha Damrong Santajittho, Abbot of Wat Traphang Thong, and Mr. Chaiyaphon Suk-iam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs. The gathering included local officials and a large number of citizens, highlighting community participation.
Mr. Chaiyapol Suk-iam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, reported that the "Family Basket-Carrying Religious Offerings at Temples on Buddhist Holy Days" project for fiscal year 2025 saw participation from approximately 58,000 Buddhists nationwide. The initiative received positive feedback from Buddhist tourists who attended with their families to make merit and support local products. The event successfully revived ancient traditions, local costumes, and regional cuisine, turning them into cultural assets and boosting religious tourism. This influx of tourists generated income for local communities, hotels, and homestays, prompting further development of cultural assets in both major and minor cities, warranting budget allocations for research and tradition revival.
The Director-General further emphasized that the project has stimulated economic activity by creating income opportunities for the community through the sale of goods and services such as food, clothing, and accommodations. The initiative encourages the growth of cultural capital and expands opportunities for Buddhists to engage in meritorious deeds. Regular activities, including alms giving and meditation, extend beyond Buddhist holy days, enhancing the community's spiritual and economic vitality.
The "Morning Alms Giving Ceremony in Sukhothai" at Wat Traphang Thong is a long-standing tradition that continues to attract tourists and locals alike. Monks line up each morning to receive alms on the bridge in front of the temple, a practice dating back to the Sukhothai Kingdom. Nearby, a bustling market offers local sweets, traditional clothing, and souvenirs, reflecting the area's cultural heritage and supporting local businesses. This vibrant community event distributes income locally and contributes to Thailand's sustainable economic development.
The Director-General concluded that the project encourages regular temple visits for religious practices, fostering an appreciation for the nation's cultural heritage and adherence to Buddhist principles. It promotes community economic development through religious tourism, positioning temples as focal points for income distribution and community support.