On 17 November 2013, H.E. Mr. Somchai Charanasomboon, Ambassador of Thailand to Sweden, and his wife, Viyada, together with the Embassy’s officials and representatives from Team Thailand in Sweden attended a Royal Khathina ceremony at Buddharama Temple, Stockholm.  Ambassador Somchai led the participants in merit-making activities, namely chanting and giving alms, as well as presided over the Royal Kathina ceremony, offering a Royal Kathina robe graciously bestowed by His Majesty the King through the National Office of Buddhism of Thailand to the congregation of Buddhist monks at the Temple.  On behalf of the Royal Thai Embassy, Ambassador Somchai donated some money to the Temple.

     On this occasion, Ambassador Somchai also presided over the ordination ceremony of a Buddhist monk at the Temple and met approximately 200 Thai people in Sweden participating in the event, informing them of the Thai national identity card service at the Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm, and answering some consular questions.  Ambassador Somchai also took this opportunity to invite Thai community to join an event to celebrate the auspicious occasion of the 86th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej to be organized on 1 December 2013 at Falkets Hus Hallunda, Stockholm.