Bangkok: The Ministry of Culture organized a nationwide Buddhist chanting ceremony to honor and offer royal merit to Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana on the occasion of her birthday on June 3.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Religious Affairs, under the Ministry of Culture, orchestrated the event, which included a Buddhist chanting ceremony and alms-giving ceremony for monks and novices. Phra Thep Prasitthikun, the abbot of Wat Rakhang Khositaram, chaired the clergy, while Ms. Ploy Thanikul, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Culture, presided over the ceremony. The event was attended by Mr. Prasop Riangngen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Mr. Chaiyapol Suk-iam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, and other officials at the Ubosot of Wat Rakhang Khositaram in Bangkok.
Ms. Ploy Thanikul remarked that the occasion of His Majesty the King's birthday on June 3 presents a significant opportunity for Thai citizens to express their loyalty to the monarchy by performing good deeds and offering royal merit to Her Majesty Queen Suthida. The Queen has accompanied His Majesty the King in various royal duties and has shown a strong commitment to promoting Buddhism. Her involvement includes participation in royal merit-making ceremonies at several important religious sites.
This year, the Ministry of Culture has extended its activities to honor Her Majesty the Queen both centrally and regionally. Leaders of Buddhist network organizations, along with government and private sector representatives, were invited to participate in the merit-making ceremonies. A central Buddhist chanting ceremony and alms-giving for monks and novices will take place on June 4, 2025, at Wat Rakhang Khositaram in Bangkok.
Religious organizations across Thailand, representing Buddhism, Islam, Roman Catholicism, and Hinduism, have also organized various activities to honor Her Majesty. These include prayer ceremonies, ordination ceremonies, masses, and the distribution of charity.
Regionally, the Department of Religious Affairs, in collaboration with provincial cultural offices, will conduct similar activities. These include exhibitions, videos, and other events that honor the monarchy and the royal family, encouraging adherence to religious principles and promoting peace and stability in society.
The Bureau of the Royal Household has invited the public to offer their best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen via an online system from June 2 to 4, 2025, through the Royal Household Bureau's website.