On 19 November 2023, Mr. Pichaya Lapasthamrong, Acting Consul-General of Thailand in Kolkata participated in the Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony at Tollygunge Sambodhi Buddhist Monastery, Kolkata. The Ceremony was presided over by Venerable Dr. Arunjyoti Bhikkhu, Chief Abbot of the Monastery and General Secretary of Tollygunge Moore Avenue Buddha Smity Foundation, and attended by Consuls-General of the United States and China, and Deputy High Commissioner of the United Kingdom in Kolkata as well as hundreds of participants from local communities.

Acting Consul-General expressed his well-wishes towards all participants to the Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony. He highlighted that Kathina festival is an important ancient tradition for Thai Buddhists and an example of close Buddhism ties between India and Thailand. On this occasion, he also felicitated Indian students who recently graduated this year and took part in the lighting of sky lanterns for good fortune.