On 6 November 2013, H.E. Mr. Kiattikhun Chartprasert, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presided over the Offering Ceremony of the Royal Kathin Robe, graciously bestowed by His Majesty the King through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to the congregation of monks at Namphake Buddhist Monastery, Dibrugarh, Assam, India.

            Also present at the ceremony were Mr. Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum, Charge d’Affaires, a.i. of Thailand to India; the representatives from Team Thailand (Thai government offices in India); Mrs. Panati Phukan, State Cultural Affairs Minister; Mrs. Aruna Rajoria, Deputy Commissioner of Dibrugarh and over 400 Indian Buddhists.

The offering of the Royal Kathin Robe in Namphake Village, Assam, India is part of Thailand’s cultural diplomacy which fulfilled the aim to strengthen cordial relations between the peoples of two countries. It was an opportunity for cultural exchange and also for the promotion of Thai tradition and culture amongst the Thais who live abroad, such as the Taiphake in India.     

The ceremony this year was held successfully. The donation by His Majesty the King and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the Thai and Indian Buddhists totaled approximately 253,500 Bahts.

            At evening of 5 November 2013, the Taiphake Community organized tradition welcoming ceremony to the Thai delegation and Mr. Paban Singh Gathowar, Minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Mrs. Panati Phukan, State Cultural Affairs Minister also present.