Bangkok: The Prime Minister presided over a significant ceremony to welcome sacred relics of the Buddha from Sri Lanka, which are temporarily enshrined at Government House. These relics will eventually find a permanent home at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, amidst an atmosphere filled with faith and devotion.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, along with his wife, attended the ceremony. Key cabinet ministers were present, including Deputy Prime Ministers Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Mr. Sophon Saram, Mr. Bowornsak Uwanno, and other notable officials. The event also saw the attendance of approximately 200 distinguished guests, including the Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Thailand.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister carried the relics to the ceremonial platform, aided by Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, Minister of Commerce, who carried a sapling of the Bodhi tree from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Religious leaders from both Thailand and Sri Lanka paid homage to the relics through wreaths of fresh flowers, incense, and candles.
Ms. Supajee Suthamphan emphasized the ceremony's purpose, underscoring the opportunity for government officials and Buddhists to pay homage. She highlighted the event as a historic act of merit, reflecting the enduring faith in Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition and the spiritual ties between Thailand and Sri Lanka.
The event marks a significant step towards the relics' permanent enshrinement at Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, aligning with efforts for UNESCO World Heritage status. The ceremony also included planting a Bodhi tree sapling, symbolizing cultural heritage and the flourishing relationship between the two countries.
As part of the ceremony, Sri Lankan monks chanted auspicious verses and offered blessings. The Prime Minister presented gifts to monks, performed a water libation ritual, and participated in a group photograph with honored guests.
The sacred relics, believed to be perfectly preserved, were brought from Yadilagala Rajavaramahavihara in Sri Lanka. They exhibit unique characteristics with three colors: gold, silver, and ivory, which are rare among sacred relics.
After being temporarily enshrined at Government House, the relics will move to Wat Phra Chetuphon and eventually to Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan on February 28, 2026. This move coincides with the 1,250th anniversary of Phra Borom That Nakhon Si Thammarat and Makha Bucha Day, celebrated with a grand merit-making event featuring offerings to 11,250 monks and a sacred relics procession.
The Bodhi tree sapling, over 2,333 years old, will be planted to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Sri Lankan Buddhist lineage's arrival in Nakhon Si Thammarat, marking a significant cultural and historical milestone for Buddhism in Thailand.
The government invites Buddhists and interested citizens to join the merit-making event from February 27 to March 1, 2026, celebrating the 800th anniversary of Theravada Buddhism's arrival in Nakhon Si Thammarat and its spread throughout Thailand.