Bangkok: Khao Yai National Park became the venue for a significant alms giving ceremony, attracting 1,000 monks to mark the New Year and extend support to disaster victims across Thailand. Today at 6:00 AM, Phra Ratchawatcharakunbandit, Deputy Chief Monk of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, led the merit-making event by offering alms to Buddha and commemorating Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. The ceremony, held at the entrance of the park, was primarily aimed at assisting disaster victims throughout various regions in the country.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Khanatchanom Srijarern, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, represented the provincial leadership at the ceremony. He was joined by Dr. Pornpana Srikarun, Director of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Office of Buddhism, Mr. Chaiya Huayhongthong, Head of Khao Yai National Park, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Natthapong Thongdee, Senior District Clerk of Pak Chong District. The event saw Buddhist devotees collectively affirming their faith, observing the Five Precepts, and practicing meditation in honor of the Queen Mother.
The ceremony included the offering of alms to the Sangha, with the head monk distributing food to 323 temples and military and police personnel in four southern provinces. This initiative was part of broader efforts to provide relief to disaster victims throughout Thailand. Following the ceremony, 1,000 monks lined up to receive alms from the assembled devotees.
The event was organized in partnership with various sectors, including the Sangha of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, the Dhammakaya Foundation, Khao Yai National Park, and other local organizations. The goals included paying homage to Buddha, continuing the tradition of almsgiving, encouraging good deeds, and creating an auspicious start to the New Year. Additionally, the collected rice and dried food will aid monks in supporting disaster victims and supplying frontline personnel in the southern border provinces. This initiative also aims to promote cultural tourism in Khao Yai, a key destination renowned for its natural beauty.