BANGKOK, July 1 (TNA) – Thai Buddhists will observe two
important religious holidays this weekend in ‘new normal’ ways.
Asalha Bucha Day, marking the day Lord Buddha delivered his
first Sermon before the first five disciples in Buddhism, is observed this year
on Saturday. It will be followed by the
beginning of Buddhist Lent on Sunday.
In a joint press briefing with public health agencies on
Wednesday, the Department of Religious Affairs announced that it has issued a
guideline for religious ceremonies and gathering in order to prevent the spread
of COVID-19.
While encouraging Buddhist faithful to observe religious
events, Kittaphan Phansuwan, Director-General of the Department of Religious
Affairs, urged people to follow the guideline and temples across the country to
enforce social distancing rules as well as other precautions against infectious
disease.
Buddhists attending religious events are required to wear
face masks, pass body temperature screening and heed social distancing.
Temples are to take capacity control measures to prevent
overcrowding. (TNA)
