French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed support for the establishment of Wat Pho Paris, an extension of the famous Wat Phra Chetuphon temple, known as Wat Pho, in Paris. The endorsement came during a meeting on November 9 with Somdet Phra Maha Theerajarn, the abbot of Wat Pho, at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
The abbot has traveled to the European country to inaugurate Wat Pho Paris, with its launch ceremony expected to be attended by scores of faithful Thais. The discussion between the two sides, which lasted about 45 minutes, focused on the development of Buddhism in Thailand and its adaptation to promote world peace. Also present at the meeting were Phra Sri Wichira Thamwithet, the Sangha chairman of Wat Pho Paris, and Boonyarit Vichienpuntu, the acting ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris.
Macron, who visited Wat Pho during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Bangkok last year, reaffirmed his support for the new temple located in Rue de Rimoron, 91650 Breux-Jouy.
The establishment of Wat Pho Paris also signifies 333 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and France. The temple will serve as a hub for Dhamma teachings and peace, contributing to the growth of Buddhism in France. (NNT)
