Nearly 400 navy cadets were temporarily ordained as monks in order to pay respect to Their Majesties the King and Queen.
Somdej Phutthachinnawong, abbot of Wat Phitchayatikaram Temple and the central region chief monk, led the ceremony to ordain 380 Naval Rating School cadets now in their second year at the Chumphon Royal Naval Academy March 27.
Their monkhood lasted through April 2. During that time, they resided at the dharma practice center in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Soldiers receive their saffron robes from the revered abbot before being ordained as monks.
Navy officials said the cadets graduating their courses and about to serve in the navy should have education in the morals, ethics and loyalty of Buddhism.
Such training would help them in maintaining loyalty toward the nation, religion and monarchy, they said.
