During 16 – 21 July 2024, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata organized activities to celebrate the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 6^th Cycle or 72^nd Birthday Anniversary in Kolkata and Bodhgaya as follows:

1. Ceremonies to Pay Homage, Convey Well Wishes, and Pledge an Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty, and Light Candles to Celebrate His Majesty’s Birthday at the Consulate-General’s Premises – Miss Siriporn Tantipanyathep, Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata organized the ceremonies in honour of His Majesty. The ceremonies were well attended by the Consulate-General’s officials along with their spouses. During the ceremonies, Consul-General led the attendees in paying homage to His Majesty, followed by delivering a celebratory speech, pledging an oath of allegiance, lighting candles, and signing the book of congratulations to convey their well wishes for His Majesty.

2. Ceremony to Pay Homage to His Majesty at Wat Thai Buddhagaya – Consul-General presided over the lighting of incenses and candles, and offered a ceremonial flower basket to His Majesty’s portrait. The Consulate-General’s officials also attended the ceremony.

3. Ceremony to Make Merit by Offering Foods to the Monks and Prayer Service – Consul-General, along with the Consulate-General’s officials and staff attended the merit-making ceremony and prayer service at Wat Metta Buddharam and Wat Thai Neranjarawas in Bodhgaya. They also offered freshly-cooked foods, dried foods, fruits and donation to the monks of both temples.

4. Volunteer Activity ‘We Do Good Deeds by Our Heart’ by Planting Trees at the Main Entrance of the Mahabodhi Temple – Consul-General presided over the tree planting activity, which was attended by notable figures; namely, Venerable Chalinda, Chief Monk of the Mahabodhi Temple; Venerable Deenanand, Deputy Chief Monk; His Excellency Tashi Panjore, Consul-General of Bhutan in Kolkata; His Excellency Xu Wei, Consul-General of China in Kolkata; and Dr. Mahashweta Maharathi, Secretary of the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC). Around 70 participants comprised of monks, nuns and Buddhist followers from Thai and international temples in Bodhgaya attended the activity. The participants planted mahogany trees, roses, garden crotons, and Fukien Tea trees to decorate the main entrance of the Mahabodhi Temple and to symbolize the beautiful friendship among Thailand, India and international Buddhist communities.

5. Ceremony to Hand Over Medical Equipment Contribution to the Community Healthcare Centre, Bodhgaya – Consul-General presided over the handover of 4 items of medical equipment; namely, 1 cardiac monitor, 3 infant radiant warmers, 7 Caesarean section surgery sets, and 1 high pressure steam sterilizer to the Centre. This equipment will enable the Centre’s maternity ward to deliver childbirth by Caesarean section method for the first time. This contribution aimed at fostering cordial relations between Thailand and Bodhgaya’s government sector, who plays an instrumental role in facilitating and assisting Thai monks and Buddhist pilgrims.

6. Participation to the Ordination Ceremony of Monks, Brahmabodhi Nuns and Nekkhamma Nuns under the Sacred Mahabodhi Tree and Wat Thai Buddhagaya – Consul-General and the Consulate-General’s officials attended the Ordination Ceremony of a total of 269 monks, Brahmabodhi Nuns (literally means those who are wise like Lord Brahma), and Nekhamma Nuns (literally means those who renounce worldly pleasures). The Ordination Ceremony was presided over by Phra Dhambodhivong, Chief Abbot of Wat Thai Buddhagaya and Chairperson of Thai Buddhist Missionary in India and Nepal, and Mrs. Yupha Taweewattanakitborvon, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture of Thailand. The Ministry’s executives and officials, Consuls-General of Bhutan and China in Kolkata, and numerous Thai Buddhist followers also attended the Ordination Ceremony.