On 16 November 2013, H.E. Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, 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 Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple, Selangor, Malaysia.

     Also present at the ceremony were H.E. Mr. Krit Kraichitti, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia; Mrs. Srirat Vathesatogkit, Consul-General of Thailand to Penang; the representatives from Team Thailand (Thai government offices in Malaysia); Ambassadors and Representatives from Embassies in Malaysia, such as Singapore, Lao PDR, Sri Lanka and China; YBhg. Dateo’ Abdullah Sani Omar, Undersecretary (SEA), Wisma Putra; Dato’ Boon Som Inong, Malaysian senator and over 200 Thai and Malaysian Buddhists.

     The offering of the Royal Kathin Robe in Salangor, Malaysia 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 Siamese descendants living in Malaysia.     

     The benevolence of His Majesty the King as the upholder of religions is specially recognized at the Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple where His Majesty donated the initial fund for its construction and also visited the temple in 1962.  

     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 Malaysian Buddhists totaled approximately 500,000 Baht.