Sisaket: The Ministry of Education has launched the "Alms Giving Ceremony: Wearing Thai Traditional Clothing, Doing Good Deeds, and Living a Self-Sufficient Lifestyle" initiative aimed at fostering spiritual fulfillment and generating community income in Sisaket Province.
According to Thai News Agency, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the Department of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with Sisaket Province and the Sangha (Buddhist clergy), organized the event 'Visiting Temples for Religious Practice on Buddhist Holy Days: Families Bring Baskets of Merit and Support the Community' at the Gopura Plaza, King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th Birthday Anniversary Commemorative Park (Koh Huai Nam Kham), Mueang Sisaket District, Sisaket Province. The event was presided over by Phra Vinayamethi, the Chief Monk of Sisaket Province (Dhammayuttika Nikaya), and Phra Vajirasiddhita, the Chief Monk of Sisaket Province (Maha Nikaya), while Mr. Anurak Thampramajitt, the Governor of Sisaket Province, presided over the lay community. Mr. Pojanat Panyasilp, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, represented the Director-General alongside officials and members of the public.
Mr. Pojanath Panyasilp revealed that the project has seen continuous success. In the 2025 fiscal year, over 58,000 Buddhists participated nationwide, igniting a trend of "Families Carrying Baskets to Temples" and supporting community products and services. This initiative revives Thai customs, traditions, traditional clothing, and local cuisine, which are considered cultural assets for religious tourism.
The project aligns with the policies of the Department of Religious Affairs and the government, promoting the wearing of Thai fabrics and boosting the grassroots economy by linking religious activities with community income generation. This integration creates an economic cycle benefiting communities, hotels, accommodations, and homestays.
The event includes alms giving, meditation, homage to Phra Phuttha Mahamuni (Luang Pho To), visiting Wat Maha Phuttharam, a Thai and local fabric costume contest, and selling community products. It also features visits to important tourist attractions in the province like the Sri Lamduan Chalerm Phra Kiat Hall and Sisaket Aquarium at "Koh Huai Nam Kham."
The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs stated that the project to visit temples and practice Dharma on Buddhist holy days significantly encourages Buddhists to visit temples, make merit, observe precepts, and practice meditation consistently. It instills a commitment to Buddhist principles while preserving Thai culture and creating sustainable income for communities, positioning temples as centers for developing a virtuous society.