The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior yesterday (July 14) presided over a ceremony to transfer the sacred water vessel from the Ho Sastra Kom Hall in the Grand Palace to the Ministry of Interior.
Phuket Vice Governor led a ceremony at Phuket Provincial Hall on Saturday to lead the procession to carry the sacred water from the hall. Government officials, civil servants, and local dignitaries attended the ceremony at Phuket Provincial Hall to honour and display their loyalty to His Majesty the King.
The event was part of a larger procession involving the four southern provinces of Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi and Surat Thani. The sacred water was transported by police escort to the Royal Thai Air Force base in Phunphin District, Surat Thani, where it was joined by sacred waters gathered from throughout all 14 provinces of Southern Thailand.
Following the installation of the sacred waters at the Ministry of Interior, the sacred waters will be consecrated in a ceremony at Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm (Wat Pho) on July 25.
The sacred waters will then be transported to the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall for the grand occasion of the King’s birthday on July 28, 2024, where it will be presented to His Majesty the King.
MASS ORDINATION
In celebration of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, a grand ordination ceremony was held at Wat Thep Wanaram (Wat Manik) in Srisoonthorn yesterday (July 14).
Presiding over the ceremony were Phra Udomwachiramongkol, the Chief Monk of Phuket and Abbot of Wat Mongkol Nimit, and Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkam.. They were joined by Bussadee Suwannarat, who as wife of Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat is President of the Phuket Red Cross and the Provincial Interior Housewives Association for Phuket. Also present were a host of senior government officials.
The ordination ceremony featured 76 participants who were ordained as monks. Vice Governor Sattha led a ceremonial lighting of candles to honour the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha), followed by paying respects and presenting floral offerings in front of a portrait of His Majesty the King. Sacred offerings were also made to the monks, including Phra Udomwachiramongkol, and robes were distributed to the 76 ordinands.
This initiative was a collaborative effort involving several local temples, including Wat Thep Wanaram, Wat Cherng Talay, Wat Phra Thong, Wat Tha Ruea and Wat Srisoonthorn, along with provincial administrative offices, the Phuket Provincial Culture Office, the Provincial Office of Buddhism, and other agencies.
The ordination aimed to provide Buddhists and the general public an opportunity to engage in merit-making activities, honouring His Majesty the King and promoting the study of Buddhist teachings. This initiative also sought to foster moral development and cultural appreciation, ensuring the preservation of Thailand’s rich traditions and the continued flourishing of Buddhism, said an official report of the event.
The newly ordained monks will continue their spiritual training until Aug 3. During this period, they will receive instruction in Buddhist principles, enhancing their moral and ethical development, which they can apply in their daily lives to benefit their families, society, and the nation, the report said.