BANGKOK, July 3 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on
Friday led his wife and cabinet members to present candles and other
offerings to His Holiness Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatayana, the Supreme
Patriarch of Thailand, ahead of the annual Buddhist Lent Day.
His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch granted the audience to
the Prime Minister at Wat Ratchabophit temple in Bangkok.
Presenting candles to monks is an age-old tradition of Thai
Buddhists for the Buddhist Lent, a three-month retreat, which begins this year
on Monday (July 6), when monks stay at temples and monasteries.
His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch gave his blessing to
Prayut, his wife and the ministers, wishing them good health and good spirit in
performing their duties.
As Thailand has entered phase five of COVID-19
lockdown easing, Thai Buddhists are allowed to attend religious ceremonies
under precautionary measures against COVID-19.
Buddhist faithful across the country will celebrate the
Asalha Bucha Day on Sunday ahead of the Buddhist Lent.
Temples are gearing up precautionary measures including
temperature check and social distancing arrangements.(TNA)
