Category Archives: News

The National Office of Buddhism (NOB) has revealed more than a 111 temples across the country have been seriously affected by the flooding to the level that monks cannot go out to receive alms-offering. NOB Director General Nopparat Benjawatananun said that the situation has been so serious that monks at these flood-hit temples have to move things to a higher ground while finding it impossible to go out to receive daily alms-offering. He added that the NOB is still awaiting the damage report from the southern region as the number of temples and monks hit by floods remain unknown. As these temples have been literally cut off from the world, the NOB Director General is asking the public to provide necessities to the flood-affected monks (NNT).

Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Vichaidit said that he wants to promote the Phra Borommathat Chedi at Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat province as a UNESCO’s world heritage site. According to the Minister, he will ask the cabinet later this month to propose that the Phra Borommathat Chedi be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He asserted that the government is willing to give its full support in order to achieve the goal and secure the Buddhist pagoda the world heritage status.

Mr. Yongyuth pointed out that proposing the matter to the cabinet during the upcoming mobile cabinet meeting in the southern province of Phuket during 19-20 March, is most opportune since the cabinet will be meeting in the region where the pagoda is situated. Additionally, the locals of Nakhon Si Thammarat province and the southern region will also rejoice at the news and demonstrate their pride in this significant religious site.

Source: National News Bureau

Buddhist Thais are expected to spend nearly six percent more on the merit-making activities during Magha Puja Day, according to a recent survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Around THB2.6 billion would be circulated during Magha Buja Day this year, which is 5.6 percent up from the THB 2.5 billion spent last year. On average, one Buddhist is likely to spend THB1,000 on religious purposes. The spending increase results from the price hike.

The poll has also found that Thai people are less interested in going to temples. Fifty-six percent of the respondents go to the temple no more than three times a month. Thirty-five percent go to the temple no more than five times a year.

Nearly 60 percent pay less importance to major religious days, whereas 36 percent view major religious days as important as ever. Only two percent pay more attention to major religious events while three percent pay no attention at all.

Sixty-eight percent of the respondents can explain the importance of Magha Puja Day. The rest either give a wrong answer or have no idea about this festival.

Fifty-two percent define religion as something they can cling to spiritually, 23 percent view religion as a form of tradition or rite, and 22 percent view religion as the guideline of life.

Source: National News Bureau