Bangkok: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led a group of executives and officials from the Ministry of Interior in a ceremony to consecrate and unveil the "Phra Phuttha Maha Navanak Patimakor" Buddha image on the auspicious date of April 6, 2069. The ceremony took place at the Phra Nak Prok Hall and was presided over by Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as the Minister of Interior. The event was blessed with the presence of His Eminence Somdej Phra Maha Ratchamongkol Muni (Thongchai Thammachot), Assistant Abbot of Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan and a member of the Supreme Sangha Council.
According to Thai News Agency, the ceremony was attended by numerous high-ranking officials including Deputy Ministers of Interior, Mr. Polpeerap Suwannachawi, Mr. Jetseth Thaiseth, and Mr. Worasit Liengprasit; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Arsit Sampanrat; and several Deputy Permanent Secretaries. The Director-Generals of various departments such as Land, Community Development, Provincial Administration, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Public Works and Town Planning, and Local Administration Promotion were also present.
During the ceremony, Somdej Phra Maha Ratchamongkol Muni performed the eye-opening ceremony for the Phra Phuttha Maha Nawanak Patimakor Buddha image. This was followed by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, who led the ritual of pouring water from a conch shell onto the image, anointing it, scattering flowers, offering garlands, and lighting incense and candles to pay homage. Senior executives joined in lighting incense and candles at the offering altar, accompanied by the chief Brahmin astrologer who recited incantations for the auspicious ceremony.
At precisely 9:15 AM, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the Buddhist chanting ceremony, receiving blessings from Somdej Phra Maha Ratchamongkol Muni and ten monks from Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan. Government officials offered gifts and food to the monks, poured water as a dedication of merit, and Somdej Phra Maha Ratchamongkol Muni concluded the ceremony by sprinkling holy water.
The construction of the Phra Nak Prok Hall is significant not only as a religious site but also as a morale booster for Ministry of Interior officials. It aims to reinforce their commitment to the mission of "alleviating suffering and promoting well-being," ensuring the prosperity of all citizens under Buddhist principles. This initiative is expected to foster peace, progress, and lasting stability for the organization in the long run.