Thailand offers Kathin robes to Bhutanese monks

BHUTAN, October 31 (TNA) - The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has conducted the offering ceremony of the Royal Kathin Robes, graciously bestowed by late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, to the congregation of monks at the Pangri Zampa Monastery in Thimphu, Bhutan. Thai Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Busaya Mathelin presided over the ceremony on October 30, held for the third time by Thailand to offer the Kathin robes to the Bhutanese monastery. Graciously present at the ceremony were HM Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck and HRH Princess Euphelma Choden Wangchuck of Bhutan, as well as Bhutanese Home and Cultural Affairs Minister Lyonpo Dawa Gyeltshen as the representative of the Bhutanese government. The Bhutanese minister praised the late and revered Thai monarch for his moral principles and righteousness that brought happiness to his subjects, as well as his contributions that benefited both the Thai people and the world community. The Bhutanese people also expressed their condolences and gratitude to the late and beloved Thai King. The Royal Kathin Offering Ceremony in Bhutan not only reflects late His Majesty the King's devotion and patronage to Buddhism both in Thailand and abroad, but also helps strengthen relations between the two countries, where the majority of their populations adhere to the Buddhist faith. (TNA)