Bang Saray Temple marked 44 years since the passing of revered monk Luang Poh Thongyu with a week-long commemoration.
Former Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome joined Sattahip District Chief Noraset Sritapatso, Bang Saray Mayor Somjit Nimsuwan and top officers from the Sattahip Naval Base for the Feb. 23 religious ceremony led by Abbot Withanthammayut. Nine monks chanted and prayed in remembrance of Luang Poh.
The ceremony was held at the shrine established in August 2005 for a million baht and maintained since with 22.8 million baht in donations by worshippers paying respects to the well-respected monk.
Former Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome (kneeling, center) takes part in a religious ceremony to mark 44 years since the passing of revered monk Luang Poh Thongyu.
Luang Poh Thongyu died at the age of 85 on Feb. 23, 1972 at Apaporn Kiethiwong Hospital on the Sattahip Naval Base grounds. He was known as a kind, respected and pure-hearted monk in eastern Thailand. He had supported people with illness and misfortune though teachings that had been passed on to him from previous generations.
Bang Saray Temple was established more than 150 years ago and became synonymous with Luang Poh Thongyu, who was the abbot for many years.
The ceremony was held from Feb. 22-28.
