Bangkok: The Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Culture, in partnership with Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, held a ceremony to honor the Buddha's relics, specifically the Glass Tooth Relic, during the Chinese New Year celebrations at the Royal Plaza. This event emphasized cultural identity and aimed to strengthen Thai-Chinese relations.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Culture, through the Department of Religious Affairs, and Wat Mangkon Kamalawat organized a Chinese Buddhist chanting ceremony. This ceremony was presided over by Venerable Zhu Deng, the Director of the Office of Student Affairs at the Buddhist College of the People's Republic of China. It was attended by prominent figures including Mr. Zhao Mengtao from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, Mr. Chusak Sirinil, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, and Ms. Ploy Thanikul, Assistant Minister of Culture. The event saw participation from various government agencies, the private sector, the Cultural Council Network, and the public at Sanam Luang.
The government, along with the Ministry of Culture and representatives from China, organized the temporary enshrinement of the Buddha's relics in Thailand to honor His Majesty the King on his 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. This initiative runs from 4 December 2024 to 15 February 2025. The Ministry of Culture scheduled activities on 29-30 January 2025, featuring Chinese Buddhist chanting and cultural performances, including lion dances and dragon displays.
The public can pay homage to the Glass Tooth Relic from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with access facilitated through ID card exchanges at the Supreme Court screening point. A flower service point is available for offerings at the entrance to the relics.