On 20 May 2024, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia welcomed Phra Khru Siribodhivides, Phra Maha Teeranai Teerathata, and Phra Palad Phatchayasit Khemabhiratho, Buddhist monks from Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, on their visit to the Royal Thai Embassy to present commemorative gifts from the Ceremony to Celebrate Ordination and Bestowal of Rank to Phra Khru Siribodhivides.

 

The monks extended their gratitude to the Ambassador for presiding over the Ceremony as lay chairman, and for facilitating the visit of His Holiness Somdet Phra Maha Thirachan, Board Member of the Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand, President of the Regulatory Office for Overseas Dhammaduta Bhikkhus, and Abbot of Chetuphon Vimonmangklaram Rajwaramahawihan Temple (Wat Pho) as Sangha chairman of the Ceremony, which was successfully organised on 7 May 2024 at Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple. In this regard, the monks presented a book “Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple” and the holy water bowl for the Embassy’s function.

 

The Ambassador paid respect to the monks and extended her congratulations to Phra Khru Siribodhivides upon the bestowal of the title of Venerable Teacher (Phra Khru) by the Royal Command of His Majesty the King of Thailand, signifying His Majesty’s goodwill and great support towards Buddhism in Malaysia. In addition, the Ambassador exchanged information and discussed cooperation between the Embassy, and Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple, as well as other Thai temples in Malaysia, while expressing readiness to support activities of the Temples and Thai Buddhist community in Malaysia, especially on organising important Buddhist ceremonies.

 

Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple was established in 1956, following the land donation by Selangor state government. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great granted royal funds for the construction of the Temple, and consented to have the royal cypher being placed at the tympanum of the ordination hall. His Majesty also presided over the Temple’s pinnacle decoration ceremony in 1962.