Bangkok: "Phumtham" presided over the City Pillar Shrine's 243rd anniversary ceremony. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, as the Chairman of the War Veterans Council, led the City Pillar Shrine and Buddhist ceremony, along with a Brahmin ceremony, to mark the 243rd anniversary of the City Pillar Shrine in 2568.
According to Thai News Agency, Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense, Gen. Snitchanok Sangkhachan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, and Gen. Decha Nithit Leungngamkham, Director of the War Veterans Organization, participated in the event. Ms. Anusara Leungngamkham, President of the War Veterans Organization Housewife Association, along with representatives of the Armed Forces Commanders, senior military officers from the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, and senior executives of the organization, were also in attendance. Somdet Phra Mahawirawong, Secretary of the Supreme Patriarch of Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram Ratchaworawihan, was invited to perform the Buddhist religious ceremony.
The City Pillar Shrine of Bangkok holds significant cultural and spiritual importance in Thailand. It houses the City Pillar and the five guardian deities: Phra Suea Mueang, Phra Song Mueang, Phra Kan Chai Si, Chao Chet Khup, and Chao Hok Long, who are believed to protect the nation's independence and prosperity. Additionally, the shrine features a Buddha image representing the day of birth, allowing visitors to pay homage and make vows to this sacred object, which serves as spiritual support for people nationwide. The site is a center of faith for both Thai and foreign visitors and is open for homage from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.