Pattaya’s Sanctuary of Truth honored HM the late King in five religions in its annual Father’s Day ceremony.
Services and prayers were made in Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism and Islam at the wooden temple in Naklua Dec. 9.
The day also saw the ordination of 308 monks drawn from the student bodies of Laem Chabang schools No. 1 and 3, Pattaya schools 7 and 8, Photisampan Pittayakarn School, Ban Tungkom School, Tungsukalapittaya School and Wat Sutthawat School.
All the novices practiced under a monk’s guidance to be grateful for their parents’ gratitude and dedication to HM the late King Bhumibol through Dec. 18.
The novices joined 200 full monks in the five-way ceremony, chanting rites led by Abbot Wiboondhammakit and Privy Councilor and former Prime Minister H.E. Thanin Kraivichien. About 10,000 people attended part or all of the 13-hour event, also enjoying free food from 200 booths staged for the day.
Participants said they attended because it was the one event in Thailand where the five major religions are all welcomed.
Foreigners attending the ceremony said they were happy to join in even though they didn’t understand all parts of it. They were impressed at the respect and feeling Thais have toward their late monarch and also by the large amount of free food.
