Over 2,000 People Participate in Ceremonial Procession
On Wednesday, more than 2,000 individuals took part in a grand procession in Bangkok to escort a sacred relic of the Buddha, lent by China, to a shrine. This event was organized to honor the birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China.
Sacred Tooth Relic Flown in from Beijing
The revered tooth relic, which holds significant importance for Buddhists, was flown in earlier from the Lingguang Temple in Beijing, where it is normally housed. Such loans of the tooth have become an effective form of soft diplomacy for China, despite ongoing disputes regarding its rightful ownership, raising questions about its authenticity.
Ornate Display During the Procession
The tooth relic was placed inside an ornate golden container and displayed on a float adorned with flowers as it made its way through one of Bangkok’s historic neighborhoods. Attendants flanked the vehicle as it traveled approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) to its temporary home at a grand pavilion located at Sanam Luang, a large field adjacent to Bangkok’s iconic Grand Palace.
Official Reception by Thai Officials
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her cabinet members warmly received the relic amidst the chanting of monks. Representatives from China, including the ambassador to Thailand, were also present at this significant occasion.
Celebrating King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday and Diplomatic Ties
This ceremonial event is part of a series of celebrations for the 72nd birthday of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and serves as a precursor to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Thailand and China, which will be observed next year. The relic had previously been showcased in Thailand in 2002 during celebrations for King Bhumibol’s 75th birthday.
Public Exhibition Until Mid-February
The sacred relic will remain on public exhibition at the pavilion until mid-February, allowing people to pay their respects daily from 7 AM to 8 PM. The government has arranged public transportation and provided flowers for worship during this period.
