Eighty-four Pattaya-area residents joined the monkhood to mark the start of HM the King’s 84th year at an ordination ceremony organized by the city for His Majesty’s birthday.
The Dec. 2 ceremony outside Pattaya City Hall saw Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome lead the lighting of candles and joss sticks, say prayers and pay respect to a painting of HM the King, who turned 83 Dec. 5.
The start of the eight-day ordination process featured a parade of monks’ robes and pleas for forgiveness. The aspirants then marched from City Hall to Walking Street along Beach Road, back again via Second Road and ending their procession at Jittapawan College, where the monks-to-be completed their training.
Eighty-four residents joined the monkhood to mark the start of HM the King’s 84th year.
The following day saw aspirants, hosts and guests attend ordinations at Parchum Kongka, Buddhiwararam, Nong Ketnot and Nong Ketyai temples. Then all of the new Buddhist monks returned to study Dharma together at Jittapawan College, where they stayed until Dec. 10.
The 84 new monks take the place of 84 others who disrobed on Dec. 10. Before they did, Pattaya-area residents were invited to make merit in the King’s name by offering the departing monks dried food and other alms at Rungland Village in South Pattaya and Lan Pho Park in Naklua Dec. 7-8.
