Hat yai: The Prime Minister placed gold leaf on the heart of the Reclining Buddha in Hat Yai, praying for victory for Thailand. He said that those who do not wish the country well will be destroyed. He said he was praying to the Buddha, not making a political request.
According to Thai News Agency, while Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul’s delegation was returning to Bangkok after completing a tour of the southern border provinces and providing support to those injured in the unrest, Anutin stopped to pay respects at Wat Mahatthamangkalaram (Wat Hat Yai Nai) in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, at the invitation of Auditor General Montien Charoenphon. He paid homage to the reclining Buddha image, Phra Phuttha Mahatthamongkol.
He then proceeded to apply gold leaf to the heart of the Reclining Buddha for good fortune to himself and his group. Mr. Anutin revealed that he had prayed for Thailand’s victory over those with ill intentions, without conditions, regarding the current situation and everything else. Anyone who does not wish Thailand well will perish.
When asked further whether he had prayed for the Bhumjaithai Party to win MPs in every province, the Prime Minister said he had not prayed for political matters at all.
The abbot of Wat Hat Yai Nai presented the “Phra Kring Maharat Maharat Raja” amulet for the construction of the Phlapphla 2 Maharat in 2025. Afterward, a group photo was taken with the traveling group. The Prime Minister then paid his respects to King Taksin the Great for good fortune. Before departing, the monks at the temple and the abbot blessed him with strength, power, and good luck.
In addition, there were people inside the temple who came to take photos with and give encouragement to the Prime Minister.
Hat Yai Nai Temple (Wat Mahattamangalaram) is famous for its large Reclining Buddha (Sleeping Buddha), one of the largest in the world. The temple also holds a ceremony to gild the heart of the reclining Buddha, held annually during the Songkran Festival for good fortune. The temple also boasts beautiful architecture and is a major tourist attraction in Hat Yai District.