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Bangkok Post
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Premier opts for forgiveness
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has responded with a message of forgiveness following provocative remarks made by Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen during a livestream amid recent tensions between the two nations. Neither Ms Paetongtarn nor her father, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has issued a formal rebuttal to Hun Sen's comments. Rather than addressing the content of Hun Sen's remarks directly, Ms Paetongtarn took to Instagram to share a reflective teaching from the late Mae Chee Sansanee Sthirasuta, a revered Thai Buddhist nun. "Forgive. If you have the opportunity to do so ... then please do. Whether they are aware of your forgiveness or not, the lightness, clarity, and ease already arise within your own heart," she wrote. The message, shared at the same time Hun Sen was broadcasting live, was widely interpreted as a calm response, reinforcing a message of peace amid rising rhetoric. In his livestream, Hun Sen alleged that Thaksin was not genuinely ill during his visit to Cambodia in February 2024, and that the former premier had worn medical devices merely for the sake of photographs. "I flew to Bangkok to visit Thaksin. He was not ill at all," Hun Sen said. "But when it came time to take photos, he asked for props -- a neck brace, an arm brace -- to appear unwell. As soon as the photos were done, he removed them and went to dine. That's not illness, that's theatre. Thai people already have suspicions. I'm only confirming what many have thought, because both Thaksin and his daughter, Paetongtarn, are acting in bad faith." Hun Sen further claimed that Ms Paetongtarn was fully aware that her father was not genuinely unwell, yet she still took part in deceiving the Constitutional Court. He also stated that Phnom Penh governor, Khuong Sreng, could serve as a witness to the staged illness, along with several Thais who were present at the time. Hun Sen also claimed that his 30-year friendship with Thaksin had collapsed due to actions taken by Ms Paetongtarn. He accused her of having made disparaging comments, which he said had effectively ended their longstanding personal and political relationship. The Thai government has not officially responded to these claims. However, officials have continued to stress the importance of diplomacy, restraint, and maintaining peaceful bilateral relations with Cambodia, particularly in light of recent border tensions. Hun Sen also asserted that Thailand owes him a debt of gratitude for once sheltering members of the Shinawatra family. "You must understand that Cambodia is not unintelligent; we know your politics well," he said, seeming to directly comment on Thailand's leadership. Hun Sen further stated he would elaborate more in the coming days, adding, "Even when you planned to remove [Bhumjaithai Party leader] Anutin Charnvirakul from his posts as deputy prime minister and interior minister, you told me. If you can betray your own citizens, why would you not dare betray me? Of course, you would." Indicating that he warned Ms Paetongtarn about the potential repercussions of acting against Mr Anutin, Hun Sen then threatened to reveal details of his discussions with the Shinawatra family. Addressing Thaksin, Hun Sen said, "Take good care of your daughter. Your child is a prime minister, but so am I" (referring to his son Hun Manet). He added, "Don't misunderstand who I am. I do not owe a debt to Thailand; that is a matter between states. It is your people that owe me a debt of gratitude." Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai said on Friday that he paid little attention to such remarks, noting that Hun Sen often makes inconsistent statements. He said Hun Sen is engaging in information and psychological warfare, aimed at undermining the credibility of the Thai government.
United News of India
18-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
High-level Thai Buddhist delegation on six-day India visit
New Delhi, June 18 (UNI) A high-level Thai Buddhist delegation led by Somdet Phra Thirayanamuni, the acting Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, is on a six-day visit to India, reinforcing the enduring historical and spiritual links between the two nations, according to a statement from the Union Culture Ministry. The delegation visited the National Museum here to offer prayers at the Holy Relics shrine, accompanied by a Pali chanting ceremony. The visit follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent trip to Thailand, where he underscored the shared Buddhist heritage and announced the forthcoming exposition of the Holy Relics of Devni Mori in Thailand. Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat met the delegation, highlighting the shared heritage of Buddhism and Hinduism, including linguistic and cultural ties like the Ramayana tradition in Thailand. Shekhawat also invited the visiting monks to Ayodhya, citing the Patriarch's interest in Hindu mythology. Somdet Phra Thirayanamuni, a royal monk and prominent religious leader, plays a key role in Buddhist education and international propagation. The visit is expected to further enhance India-Thailand cultural diplomacy, religious tourism, and bilateral cooperation in heritage and education, said the statement. UNI AJ PRS
The Star
12-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Final touches before Wesak Day
Devotees at a prayer session led by monks at the Malaysian Buddhist Association in Burma Road, Penang before the Buddha statue was moved from the hall to the float to be decorated with flowers for the Wesak Day procession. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI and ART CHEN/The Star BUDDHISTS in Malaysia observe Wesak Day today, honouring the birth, enlightenment and passing into Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha. At temples nationwide, staff and volunteers have been busy preparing for the celebration. Temples have been adorned with lights, floral decorations and devotional offerings, as devotees and volunteers come together in a shared spirit of faith and community. During Wesak, devotees make offerings such as flowers, joss sticks, incense and lotus-shaped candles. In Petaling Jaya, Selangor, the Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple, which blends Thai and Malaysian practices, will welcome devotees for a series of rituals including prayer sessions, almsgiving and other activities to mark the occasion. They have been decorating vibrant floats, setting up ceremonial areas and organising religious events in the lead-up to the festival. At the Malaysian Buddhist Association in Burma Road, Penang, preparations have been made for the annual Wesak float procession starting at 6pm today. Workers busy sprucing up the temple facade, cleaning up ceremonial areas and setting up tents in preparation for Wesak Day at the Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The celebrations began earlier last week with a lotus-themed exhibition featuring Buddhist calligraphy, paintings and cultural displays. Wesak Day is commemorated by lighting joss sticks, incense and lotus-shaped candles, offering flowers and ceremonially bathing the Buddha statue.
New Straits Times
12-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Diverse crowd at Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple in PJ
PETALING JAYA: A diverse crowd of devotees and visitors flocked to the Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple here today to observe Wesak Day. Visitors and devotees arrived at the temple grounds as early as 6 am. Devotees performed various rituals and prayers, such as lighting oil lamps, offering joss sticks and bathing Buddha statues to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Special needs teacher Ratha Nadaraj said she had been observing Wesak Day at the temple for over 12 years. "As a Hindu, I can relate to Buddha's teachings, which is why I chose to come to the temple today," she said. She added that participating in the day's rituals enriched her understanding of Malaysia's religious diversity. Secretary Susan Thomas, who visited the temple for the first time today, was amazed by the various rituals being performed. "Usually, we only see the ceremonies from outside the temples. But today, we got to experience it firsthand — and it's very beautiful. "Every religion is beautiful, and I wanted my son and me to experience and celebrate the different traditions each religion offers," she said. Suriya Sun Nguan, a committee member of the Thai language school, was managing a food stall to help raise funds for the temple today. "Wesak Day means a lot to me as I am a Buddhist. My favourite part of the celebration is lighting oil lamps, which symbolises hope and a brighter future," she said. As the day progressed, more visitors arrived at the temple, eager to take part in the rituals and pray for peace and prosperity. Head monk and temple manager Phrakru Siribhodhivides estimated that more 10,000 people had visited the temple during the first two days of the festival, with more expected to attend the evening's float procession. "Today marks an important occasion for all Buddhists in remembrance of Lord Buddha. "As one of the largest Thai Buddhist temples in Selangor, we take pride in our unique Thai cultural decorations, which sets us apart from other Buddhist temples," he said. He expressed hope that future Wesak Day processions would become even more grand and meaningful. Temple secretary and committee member Dato Sa Wai @ Boon Chock said there growing interest in the temple's traditions from people of all backgrounds. "More devotees from different religions and racial backgrounds are coming to the temple and joining the celebrations. "This indirectly promotes intercultural communication," he said. He also noted a rise in participation among younger devotees. "Besides the older generation, more and more young people are coming to pay their respects and take part in the rituals. "Engaging the younger generation in these traditions helps them become more conscious of their faith and benefit from its positive values in their daily lives," he said. Built in 1957, prior to Malaysia's independence, the Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple was established on land donated by the Malayan government and later officiated by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. A focal point of the temple's celebrations will be a grand chariot that will circle the temple three times.
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Thousands expected to attend Wesak Day celebration at Thai Buddhist Chetawan temple
PETALING JAYA: The Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple is preparing for a grand three-day Wesak Day celebration from May 10 to 12, set to welcome up to 10,000 devotees from across the country. The head manager, who is also the temple's monk, Phrakru Siribhodhivides, 39, said preparations have been intensified to accommodate the large crowd expected for the annual religious observance. "Regular and Thai temples aren't much different, but since this is a large temple, we prepare more," he said. The highlights of the celebration include early morning chanting from 6.30am, alms giving, oil lamp lighting, and a grand night procession on May 12, during which devotees will walk around the temple three times. In preparation, the temple is welcoming support from volunteers, students from Thai schools, and even monks flown in from Thailand and other states, including Kedah. "Previously, we only used the main hall, but now, with up to 10,000 people, we will extend the celebration to the temple grounds and even out onto the main road," he said. Phrakru, who is originally from Sungai Petani, Kedah, became a monk at the age of 13 and was later granted the name "Phrakru Siribhodhivides" by the current King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn. He said Wesak Day commemorates three key events in the life of Gautama Buddha - his birth, enlightenment, and passing into nirvana - all of which are believed to have occurred on the same day in different years. "We will walk around the temple three times to honour the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha," he said. Phrakru added that this symbolic procession, known as pradaksina, is a significant part of the celebration. "All conditioned things undergo change. Decay is a normal process. All of you must not be reckless. You must hurry to find your refuge," he said, quoting the Buddha's final teaching as a reminder of Wesak Day's deeper spiritual meaning. The temple's celebrations are open to all, including non-Buddhists and members of the wider community. Previously, a major Wesak Day float procession in Kuala Lumpur saw over 25,000 devotees participating in a four-hour event that wound through the heart of the city. Themed "Foster True Compassion and Wisdom, Forge True Peace and Harmony", the celebration aimed to deepen public awareness of Buddhist values amid growing spiritual apathy. Chief high priest Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thera also reminded the public of the importance of spiritual discipline in modern times, urging parents to instil Buddhist teachings in the younger generation. Built in 1957, before Malaysia's independence, the Thai Buddhist Chetawan Temple was established on land donated by the Malayan government and later officiated by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. The Malaysian government also contributed RM100,000 towards its construction, making the temple a longstanding symbol of Thai-Malaysian religious ties.
