Chiang rai: The Department of Religious Affairs is preparing to organize the ASEAN Vesak Day event to strengthen Thai-Myanmar relations and enhance Buddhist faith in both countries.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chaiyapol Suk-iam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, stated that Vesak Day holds significant importance for Buddhists as it commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. In recognition of its significance, the United Nations has designated Vesak Day as an international day of importance in 2026.
The Department of Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the Chiang Rai Provincial Cultural Office, is set to organize the Buddhist Promotion Week, titled 'ASEAN Vesak Day: Strengthening Thai-Myanmar Relations in the Northernmost Region of Siam, Enhancing Buddhist Faith in Two Lands, 2026,' scheduled for May 29-30, 2026. The event will take place at Wat Phra That Doi Wao in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, and Wat Phra That Sai Mueang in Tachilek, Myanmar. The primary aim of the event is to foster good relations within the ASEAN region through religion, which is expected to positively impact tourism in the area.
The activities on May 29, 2026, at Wat Phra That Doi Wao in Mae Sai District will feature a seminar on "The Pilgrimage Route: The Northernmost Point of Siam, the Power of Faith in Buddhism Across Two Lands," as well as cultural exchange performances, a merit-making ceremony, a Buddhist chanting ceremony, the lighting of 1,000 lanterns, and a candlelit procession around the Phra That Doi Wao pagoda. On May 30, 2026, participants will cross the border into Myanmar to Wat Phra That Sai Muang in Tachilek Province to take part in a two-land alms-giving ceremony, a merit-making ceremony, and offer rice, dried food, and other necessities to monks and novices studying Buddhist scriptures.
The event will also include paying homage to the Mahamuni Buddha, a replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda, and visiting the monument of King Bayinnaung. Mr. Chaiyapol stressed that "Visakha Puja Day" is a day for Buddhists worldwide to commemorate the great compassion of the Buddha, embracing and practicing the teachings of Buddhism, which emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, loving-kindness, and harmonious coexistence. This celebration is a significant opportunity to promote morality, ethics, and the continuation of Buddhism as a spiritual anchor, reflecting the value of Buddhist teachings that can be applied to develop individuals, families, society, and the nation towards lasting peace. The Department of Religious Affairs invites everyone to join in this celebration to continue the faith and strengthen the relationship between Thailand and Myanmar on this important religious day.