A Buddhist monk receives alms from citizens along Jomtien Beach Road in the early morning hours of Jan 1, 2012. Some roads were temporarily closed in Pattaya, Naklua and Jomtien at the start of the year, as Thais lined the thoroughfares to welcome in the New Year by making merit, offering alms to monks and praying for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012 for themselves and for everyone throughout the world.
2012 starts with alms giving in Pattaya, Naklua, Jomtien
Pattaya-area residents began 2012 with early morning merit making exercises, giving alms to monks in Pattaya, Naklua and Jomtien Beach.
Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay presided over the ceremony in Central Pattaya, whilst Banglamung District Chief Chawalit Saeng-Uthai led the New Year’s Day’s official alms offering in Naklua, where thousands of people donated rice and dried food to monks at Lan Po Park. In return, the monks prayed for prosperity and happiness of attendees during 2012.
A Buddhist monk receives alms from citizens along Jomtien Beach Road in the early morning hours of Jan 1, 2012. Some roads were temporarily closed in Pattaya, Naklua and Jomtien at the start of the year, as Thais lined the thoroughfares to welcome in the New Year by making merit, offering alms to monks and praying for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012 for themselves and for everyone throughout the world.
On Dongtan Beach in Jomtien, crowds took over the entire footpath as well-wishers dressed in white gave alms to 20 monks.
While many were still sleeping off New Year’s Eve, the events did tie up traffic a bit as police closed off some area roads to provide space for the alms givers.
Monks receive alms along Jomtien Beach Road early in the morning on Jan. 1, 2012.
Thousands of residents line Jomtien Beach Road offering alms to monks and having lustral water sprinkled on them.
