Thousands rally in Bangkok to honor Buddha relic on royal birthday
- A sacred tooth relic of the Buddha was escorted in Bangkok to honor King Maha Vajiralongkorn's birthday.
- The relic was flown in from Beijing and paraded through the city in an ornate float, attended by thousands.
- The event emphasizes the diplomatic relationship between Thailand and China, with the relic on display until mid-February.
In Bangkok, Thailand, more than 2,000 individuals participated in a procession to commemorate a sacred relic of the Buddha, recently lent by China. This event took place on December 4, 2024, and served dual purposes: honoring the birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. The relic, specifically a tooth, was flown in from the Lingguang Temple in Beijing and is regarded as a significant spiritual artifact by Buddhists. The tooth relic was placed in an ornate golden container, elegantly decorated with flowers, as it was displayed on a float. The procession covered a distance of approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) through one of Bangkok’s historic neighborhoods, culminating at a temporary shrine in a soaring pavilion located at Sanam Luang, a large field adjacent to the Grand Palace. The event was further elevated by the presence of prominent figures, including Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and various cabinet members, who received the relic in a ceremony accompanied by the chants of monks. This loan of the Buddha’s tooth relic marks yet another instance of soft diplomacy employed by China, which has effectively utilized cultural exchanges as a means to foster goodwill and strengthen ties with other nations. This engagement is particularly noteworthy given the intricate historical context surrounding the relic, as multiple countries have made competing claims regarding the possession and authenticity of the Buddha's tooth, raising ongoing discussions about its provenance. The occasion also follows a significant tradition, as this relic had previously been displayed in Thailand in 2002 to celebrate the 75th birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the father of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who died in 2016. The Buddha's tooth relic will remain accessible for public viewing at the newly established pavilion until mid-February, allowing countless visitors to partake in this momentous celebration that highlights both reverence for the culture and the deepening connections between Thailand and China.