Thais in Indonesia Commemorate 2nd Anniversary of Death of Late Bhumibol

Thais in Indonesia Commemorate 2nd Anniversary of Death of Late Bhumibol

reported by: Setiawan Liu

Jakarta, October 13, 2018/Indonesia Media – Community of Thais in Indonesia consisting mostly of embassy officials and expatriates from Thailand attended ceremony Buddha Metta Arama (BMA) Buddhist temple in Menteng area, central Jakarta to commemorate the second anniversary of the death and funeral of the late King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej. Around 50 Thais conducted Buddhist Chanting, prayed for happiness of the late King Bhumibol in the realm beyond. The Chief monk of BMA, Bhante Kamsai Sumano Mahathera delivered the sermon during the commemoration, together with devotees calling a respect to the late King. “The speech is delivered in Thai language as most of them (devotees) are Thai. Bhante Kamsai led the prayer ceremony, and convinced (devotees) the prayer is a great way to stay thankful for the late King Bhumibol,” said another Buddhist Monk, Bhante Phraprasan Thongchai who joined the ceremony.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej died at the age of 88 on 13 October 2016, after a long illness. A year-long period of mourning was subsequently announced. A royal cremation ceremony took place over five days at the end of October 2017. The actual cremation, which was not broadcast on television, was held in the late evening of 26 October 2017. Following cremation his remains and ashes were taken to the Grand Palace and were enshrined at the Chakri Maha Phasat Throne Hall (royal remains), the Royal Cemetery at Wat Ratchabophit and the Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Royal Temple (royal ashes). Following burial, the mourning period officially ended on midnight of 30 October 2017 and Thais have resumed wearing regular colours, while awaiting the future coronation of King Vajiralongkorn, which will be set at a later date. “After the ceremony, devotees performed food charity for Bhikkhus (monks). This is the tradition of Thai, praying ceremony is followed by food offerings (to the monks).

The ceremony was also attended Thailand ambassador to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and de