On 18 October 2014, Royal Thai Embassy joined hands with the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) and the Royal Ace Trading Co., Ltd. in organizing the Kathin Ceremony at Mettawadi Monastery in Yangon.H.E. Mr. PisanuSuvanajata, Ambassador of Thailand, and Madame, Prof. Dr. ThaHlaShwe, President of MRCS, were also present.

 

            On this occasion, the new building was handed over to the Monastery.Also, the 100 newly ordained novices and nuns, whose robes and gears were donated by the Ambassador of Thailand and Madame, MRCS members, and executives of the Royal Ace Trading, joined to bless the ceremony. At the end, kind-hearted people who attended the ceremony donated around 10 million kyats (approx. 10,000 USD) which will be used as set-up fund for the Monastery to manage the orphanage more efficiently. 

 

            This is the second time that the Embassy offered the Kathin robes to the monks here.  Back in 2013, the Royal Kathin Robes from His Majesty King BhumibolAdulyadejof Thailand were offered at this Monastery, which also serves as orphanage.The Thailand-Myanmar Association for Friendship also supported the renovation of playground and provided educational toys for the orphans living at the Monastery under the care of the Abbot.  

 

            Since the main building of the Monastery is in deteriorated conditions, raising the concerns on the health and hygiene of these children, the Embassy has mobilized some funds from the Thai Community in Myanmar and our friends in Thailandto support the construction of new building as well as the procurement of items for dental care and personal hygiene for children and kitchen utensils. The Royal Ace Trading, which has business affiliation with Thai companies, also expressed their commitment to support the Monastery and the Embassy. And with the support of the Myanmar Red Cross Society, their staff and volunteers helped train the orphans on how to properly take care of basic health and hygiene.  

 

            The Royal Kathin Robe offering ceremony has been taking place annually in Myanmar for over a decade as a goodwill religious activity from Thailand to Myanmar. Thus, the Embassy is committed to continuing our support through religious cooperation and other activities as a means to connect and further strengthen the close and cordial ties between the peoples of Thailand and Myanmar.