Bangkok: The Prime Minister paid respects at the "Poo Dam Shrine and the National Emblem," seeking blessings from these sacred sites, revered for the nation, to bring auspiciousness, peace, and lasting prosperity to the country.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul paid respects at the Poodam Shrine and the National Emblem, accompanied by Ms. Sabida Thaiseth, Minister of Culture; Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Pol. Gen. Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police; Pol. Col. Phawat Warthasupat, Superintendent of Phra Ratchawang Police Station; police officers; and members of the public.
At 8:40 AM, the Prime Minister arrived and took his seat at the designated area for the ceremonial offering. He then paid respects to the sacred objects in the shrine, including: Poo Dam (the Black Grandfather), the guardian spirit of the land, the national emblem, the earth goddess, and the standing statue of Luang Pu Maha Sila. Afterward, he listened to a presentation on the history of the Poo Dam - National Emblem shrine.
At 9:09 AM, the Prime Minister presided over the lighting of incense and candles before the altar to offer prayers and invoke the national emblem, considered the most sacred symbol reflecting national identity and the connection to the monarchy. Following this, the Brahmin priest recited incantations and performed the ritual. The Prime Minister then scattered rice grains and flowers, concluding the ceremony.
Regarding its history, the "National Emblem" was first used as the national emblem during the reign of King Rama V and has been in full use since 1910, making it approximately 116 years old. The national emblem displayed within the Phra Ratchawang Metropolitan Police Station is a symbol of royal authority and justice for the nation. Police officers perform their duties under this symbol, upholding the law and maintaining public peace. Within the emblem is a Pali verse inscribed on a ribbon in Thai script, which reads: "Sabbesam Sangghabhutanam Samaggi Vuddhisadhika," meaning "The unity of all individuals, grouped together, brings about prosperity."
Recently, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the 32nd Prime Minister of Thailand, visited and paid respects to the sacred objects within the Poodam Shrine and the national emblem during its renovation a total of four times. These visits were on: the first time on Monday, February 16, 2026; the second time on Tuesday, March 3, 2026; the third time on Thursday, March 19, 2026; and the fourth time, a ceremony to consecrate the Poodam Shrine and the national emblem, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.