Canberra: The Thai Prime Minister visited Wat Dhammatharo, becoming the first Thai Prime Minister to visit the temple. He met with the Thai community in Canberra and participated in planting an "Inspiration" tree as a memento.
According to Thai News Agency, today at 3:35 PM local time in Canberra, at Wat Dhammatharo in the Commonwealth of Australia, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, along with his wife and delegation, visited Wat Dhammatharo. They were welcomed by The Honourable Anne Aly MP, Minister for International Development and Multiculturalism, Ms. Ajaree Sriratanaball, Thai Ambassador to Canberra, and many Thai people, both adults and children, who came to greet the Prime Minister and take photos with him.
Upon arriving at the prayer hall, the Prime Minister paid respects to Phra Rajasilaporn, the abbot of Wat Dhammatharo and chairman of the Executive Committee of the Dhammayut Buddhist Sangha in Australia and New Zealand (DCGS), offering robes, traditional Thai offerings, and flowers, incense, and candles.
On this occasion, the abbot of Wat Dhammatharo expressed his gratitude to the 33rd Prime Minister, and the first Prime Minister to visit the temple. He also thanked the Prime Minister for his dedication and hard work in protecting the nation amidst the crisis. He stated that holding a high position inevitably leads to criticism, and that no one is immune to it. He offered his encouragement and best wishes to the Prime Minister in his work for the country as he has intended.
The Prime Minister and his wife then paid respects to the replica of Phra Phuttha Angkhirot, which is enshrined as the principal Buddha image in the main chapel, and venerated the Buddha's relics at the Phra Chedi Sri Thammatero within the building beneath the Phra Maha That Chedi, before offering homage to the statue of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The Prime Minister's spokesperson added that the Prime Minister and his wife, along with the Australian Minister for Multicultural Affairs, jointly planted an "Inspiration" magnolia tree as a memento of their visit to Wat Dhammatharo. "Inspiration" signifies inspiration and serves as a lasting memory of this visit.
Wat Dhammatharo is the first and only Thai temple in Canberra. Established 30 years ago, it serves as an important spiritual center for the Thai community in Australia.
In the evening, the Prime Minister and his wife, along with their delegation, are scheduled to attend a dinner hosted in their honor by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his wife at the official residence of the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia in Canberra.