Over 2,000 gather to honor the Buddha relic in Thailand

In Thailand, over 2,000 people gathered recently to participate in a ceremonial procession escorting a sacred relic of the Buddha. This relic, which is viewed as highly revered by Buddhists, was lent by China for the occasion, marking a significant collaboration between the two nations. The event took place in Bangkok and was organized to commemorate the birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, alongside celebrating the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. The relic's journey began at the Lingguang Temple in Beijing, from where it was transported to Thailand for public display. During the procession, the sacred tooth relic was placed in a beautifully adorned golden container, displayed on a flower-decked float. The anticipation and reverence surrounding the event were palpable as it proceeded through one of the capital city's oldest neighborhoods. Attendants accompanied the float as it covered a distance of about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles), culminating at a grand pavilion located at Sanam Luang, a significant site outside the famed Grand Palace in Bangkok. This extravagant display drew the attention of local citizens, dignitaries, and media. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and various cabinet members received the relic in a solemn atmosphere enriched by the chanting of monks, which highlighted the spiritual importance of the event. High-ranking representatives from China, including the ambassador to Thailand, were also in attendance, reinforcing the historic significance of this cultural exchange. This relic's loan for ceremonial purposes not only symbolizes the strength of the friendship between the two nations but also serves as a poignant reminder of the shared cultural and historical ties. The exhibition of the Buddha relic was part of a series of events planned to celebrate the 72nd birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and the significant milestone of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, which will be officially marked in the coming year. The tooth relic is expected to be on display until mid-February, offering the public a rare opportunity to connect with this important cultural symbol.