On 6 November 2016, H.E. Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, presided over the Offering Ceremony of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Kathin Robe to the congregation of monks at Border Area Ethnic Youths Development Parahita Missionary Monastery, Khit Aye Village, Nay Pyi Taw, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

Also present at the ceremony were His Excellency U Moe Zaw Shwe, Director General of the Department of Promotion and Propagation of Sasana, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Somdet Phra Buddha Chinnawong, Abbot of Phitchaya Yatikaram Worawiharn Temple, H.E. Mr. Pisanu Suvanajata, Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and spouse, along with Team Thailand (Thai officials from various government offices in Myanmar), Friends of Thailand, local media and over 300 Thai and Myanmar Buddhists and participants.

On this occasion, the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs together with Director General U Moe Zaw Shwe offered alms to groups of monks and novices residing at the Monastery. The Vice Minister also visited several public service stations, including health check-up and dental units, haircut service and almshouse which were co-organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon and Thai and Myanmar business sectors.

In his speech, His Excellency U Moe Zaw Shwe expressed deep gratitude for the Royal Kathin Robe Offering which is in accordance with Buddha’s teaching and signifies friendly relations and respects between the people of the two countries.

Since 1995, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent high-level delegations to offer the Royal Kathin Robes, graciously bestowed by His Majesty the King, to Buddhist temples  in Myanmar and continues almost every year ever since.  This year’s ceremony at Border Area Ethnic Youths Development Parahita Missionary Monastery, Khit Aye Village, was the first outside of Yangon and met with a great success.  It paved the way for fostering and strengthening relations, especially people-to-people contacts between Thailand and Myanmar who share Buddhist culture, and brought about enhanced co-operation in other areas as well.  This year’s donation to the Monastery from His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as Thai and Myanmar Buddhists totalled 2,131,493 Baht.