Nakhon ratchasima: "High Mountains" are set to welcome the Supreme Patriarch of Sri Lanka for the celebration of Emperor Ashoka the Great on May 10, 2026. Wat Pa Phu Pha Sung and the monastic residence of Wat Phra Borom That Chedi Sri Phu Pha Sung (Phra That Chom Pha), located in Maklua Mai Subdistrict, Sung Noen District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, joined forces with the Dhamma Army Lawyers Foundation for this significant event. Attorney Ananchai Chaiyadech, President of the Dhamma Army Lawyers Foundation, is spearheading the celebration, which will feature the placement of a bronze statue of Emperor Ashoka the Great on its "Dhamma Vijaya" pedestal. The ceremony is expected to attract a large number of Buddhists from both Thailand and Sri Lanka and will be presided over by His Holiness Somdej Phra Maha Sanghanayaka Varakakoda Sri Gnanaratana Maha Thero of Asgiriya Siamwong, Sri Lanka.
According to Thai News Agency, Phra Maha Theeranath Akkhathiro, the abbot of Wat Pa Phu Pha Sung and Phra Borom That Chedi Sri Phu Pha Sung (Phra That Chom Pha), emphasized the importance of this occasion. The event is both a ceremonial enshrinement of the statue of Emperor Ashoka the Great and a chance for Thai Buddhists to meet the Supreme Patriarch of Sri Lanka (Siam Nikaya), a rare opportunity. The Dhamma Army Lawyers Foundation, under the leadership of lawyer Ananchai Chaiyadech, has been instrumental in organizing the event, coordinating activities, supporting food stall arrangements, and mobilizing volunteers to ensure a smooth and dignified execution. The temple has made extensive preparations, including arranging space for attendees, facilitating transportation, and organizing food stalls.
Wat Pa Phu Pha Sung and Phra Borom That Chedi Sri Phu Pha Sung (Phra That Chom Pha) serve as meditation centers following the tradition of Luang Pu Mun Phuritatto and Luang Pho Phut Thaniyo, a renowned forest meditation master. Founded by Phra Ajarn Jet Teekhayuko and established in 1994 by Phra Maha Theeranath Akkhathiro, the temple resides on Khao Chang Luang, offering a serene environment for meditation. The visit of the Supreme Patriarch from Sri Lanka signifies the strong cooperation between Thailand and Sri Lanka, as well as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the temples, public, and the Thammasat Lawyers Foundation. This event further solidifies the relationship between the Thai (Lankavamsa) and Sri Lankan (Siamvamsa) monastic communities.