PM Modi Engages with Thai Royals, Discusses Cultural Bonds

Synopsis

During his visit to Bangkok, Prime Minister Modi engaged with Thai royalty, discussing shared cultural heritage and the significance of Lord Buddha's relics. The meeting emphasized the deep-rooted ties between India and Thailand, celebrating their mutual respect and cultural exchanges.

Key Takeaways

Discussion on shared cultural heritage between India and Thailand.
Significance of Lord Buddha's relics in strengthening ties.
Visit to Wat Pho and homage to the Reclining Buddha.
Special postage stamp released by the Thai government.
Presentation of Ti-Pitaka scriptures to PM Modi.

Bangkok, April 4 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi had the privilege of a royal meeting on Friday with King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana of Thailand at the Dusit Palace in Bangkok.

During their discussion, they shared insights on the cultural heritage connecting India and Thailand, focusing particularly on the relics of Lord Buddha that made their way from India to Thailand the previous year. This initiative has positively impacted the people-to-people ties between the two nations. They also explored avenues to enhance the multifaceted relationship between India and Thailand,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) following the meeting.

The longstanding bilateral relations between India and Thailand are steeped in history, with deep-rooted social and cultural interactions, alongside extensive people-to-people contacts. The shared Buddhist connection is evident, as many in Thailand regularly embark on pilgrimages to significant Buddhist sites in India.

Earlier that day, Prime Minister Modi, alongside his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, visited Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, known commonly as Wat Pho.

The Prime Minister paid homage to the Reclining Buddha and offered 'Sanghadana' to senior Buddhist monks. He also presented a replica of the Ashokan Lion Capital at the Reclining Buddha shrine. Reflecting on the deep civilizational ties between the nations, he remarked, “Today, I had the honour of visiting the historic Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkalaram Ratchaworamahawihan in Bangkok. I appreciate Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for accompanying me to this temple. As one of Thailand’s most esteemed spiritual landmarks, Wat Pho symbolizes the nation's rich cultural and artistic heritage. Globally, individuals draw strength from Lord Buddha's teachings, which also lay the groundwork for the historic civilizational bond between India and Thailand. I also had the chance to engage with several monks,” PM Modi shared on X after visiting the site.

In a gesture of goodwill, the Thai government unveiled a special postage stamp showcasing 18th-century Ramayana mural paintings to commemorate Prime Minister Modi's visit.

Highlighting the profound cultural and religious ties between the two nations, Prime Minister Shinawatra presented PM Modi with a special edition of the Buddhist holy scriptures Ti-Pitaka in Pali. To further strengthen the civilizational bonds between India and Thailand, Prime Minister Modi proposed sending Lord Buddha's relics excavated from Gujarat to Thailand for public veneration.

Last year, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha and two of his disciples journeyed from India to Thailand, where over four million people paid their respects.