Thai PM leads Cabinet, NCPO members to meet new Supreme Patriarch

BANGKOK, February 14 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has led members of his Cabinet and those of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to meet with the new Supreme Patriarch, Somdej Phra Ariyawongsa Khatayan, at the Ratchabophit Temple in Bangkok. Also accompanied by his spouse, Naraporn Chan-ocha, the prime minister presented the new Supreme Patriarch with necessities during Tuesday morning's meeting. The new royally-appointed Supreme Patriarch told the Thai premier to always work at his best of ability with consciousness and prudence for the sake of national peace and order. The prime minister, in turn, extended his best wishes to the 20th Supreme Patriarch of the present Rattanakosin Era for his good health. The Supreme Patriarch then presented tokens to the prime minister and his entourage, including the Supreme Patriarch's medal emblem and biography, as well as Dharma books. Meanwhile, the general public were welcome to pay respect to the new Supreme Patriarch at the Ratchabophit Temple for the second day. To ensure order, tents and chairs have been prepared outside the monastery for the general public to wait and take a rest, as some had queued up since Monday night. People from all walks of life are allowed to meet the new Supreme Patriarch two times daily, during 9-10:30am and 2-4pm. (TNA)