Governor Sophon announced the invitation at a press conference at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (May 23).
Joining Governor Suwannarat for the announcement were.Phuket Vice Governors Sattha Thongkham and Adul Chuthong along with Phuket Provincial Defense Office Chief Akara Suwatthikul; Sophon Thongsai, Head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM-Phuket); Ratchadaphon O-in from Phuket Tourism and Sports Office; and Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phuket Office.
Also present were Tasaneeya Srirattanapraphan, Deputy Director of the Election Commission of Thailand Phuket office (ECT Phuket); Rangsan Phonsamak, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Phuket Rajabhat University; and Suthipong Suwandechakul, Assistant Manager of the Provincial Waterworks Authority Phuket branch (PWA Phuket).
Governor Suwannarat detailed the preparations for the holy Buddhist water ceremony, which will include several key events:
- July 4, at 2:49pm: A water-drawing ceremony at the sacred well of Wat Chaiyathararam (Wat Chalong)
- July 7, at 5:09pm: A ceremony to consecrate the holy water at Wat Phra Thong in Thepkrasattri
- July 8, at 12pm: A candle procession ceremony to celebrate the holy water at Wat Phra Thong in Thepkrasattri
The sacred well at Wat Chaiyathararam (Wat Chalong) has a long history of spiritual significance, said an official report of the announcement.
Built by Phra Khru Wisutthiwongsachan Yanmuni (Luang Por Chaem), the second abbot to serve at the revered temple, it features a square rock pond with clear, clean water that naturally bubbles up.
Locals believe the water possesses healing properties and brings good fortune. It has been used in significant ceremonies, such as the holy water ceremony for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary in 2011 and the Royal Coronation Ceremony of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn in 2019.
“Governor Suwannarat invites all sectors, including state enterprises, local government organisations, and the general public, to participate in these sacred ceremonies,” said the announcement
“This is a unique opportunity to honor His Majesty the King and celebrate a significant milestone in Thai history,” the announcement added.