BANGKOK, Jan 1 — After presiding over an alms-giving event for Buddhist monks on New Year’s morning, Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said he plans large new public parks, more bicycle lanes and expanded mass transit as New Year gifts for the public.
Mr Sukhumbhand said that the work of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in the past year had been obstructed by many factors including political turmoil.
This morning, the governor led senior BMA officials and representatives of the government, private sector and the public to give alms to 189 Buddhist monks.
Participants also worshipped the Phra Buddha Navaratchabophit Buddha image, built at the initiative of His Majesty the King, and prayed for good fortune.
The municipal authorities moved the Buddha image to Sanam Luang ground on Tuesday through New Year’s Day for public worship.
The Buddha image is normally kept at the City Hall.
Mr Sukhumbhand said that he wished people in the country to be happy and enjoy New Year holidays while taking good care of themselves and people around them. He promised to work at his best this year.
