Bangkok [Thailand]July 5: Wat Pho Deputy Abbot Devvajiracharya expressed his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Thai people to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the recent donation of the Buddha relic to Thailand.
The gesture, which aims to promote spiritual connections and cultural exchange, struck a deep chord in Thai society.
“On behalf of the Thai people, I would like to thank Prime Minister Modi for sending the relic to Thailand. This relic is of great importance to Thai Buddhists,” Devbajracharya told ANI, highlighting the relic’s significance.
Highlighting the role the event plays in strengthening ties between the people of Thailand and India, he said, “This event symbolizes the good friendship between the people of Thailand and India.”
Reflecting on his own experiences in India, Devvajracharya highlighted the cultural ties the two countries share through Buddhism, which was introduced to Thailand centuries ago. “We adopted Buddhism from India,” he explained. “When King Ashoka sent his nine legendary monks to Suvarnabhumi, Thailand adopted Buddhism as its state religion.”
Devvajracharya also touched on the cultural importance of Indian epics in Thailand, pointing to the reverence for characters such as Ram from the Ramayana — “which in Thailand we call Ramakham,” he explained, highlighting the enduring influence of Indian literature and spirituality on Thai culture.
The exchange of Buddhist relics, with the support of the Indian government, not only deepens religious ties but also serves as a testament to the enduring cultural ties between Thailand and India.
The remains of Shakyamuni and his two disciples were put on display in four cities in Thailand from February 22 to March 18.
Earlier, Thai Ambassador to India Pattarat Hongthong also expressed gratitude to the Indian government for unveiling the Buddha’s relics in Thailand and said this would encourage more Thais to visit India and reconnect with their roots.
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