Govt holds merit-making ceremony for Thailand

BANGKOK, 10 June 2010 (NNT) – The government has organized a merit-making ceremony at Government House featuring rites from five main religions in Thailand to bring good fortune to the country after struggling over the recent political mayhem.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday morning presided over the merit-making ceremony. There were about 500 participants, including cabinet members and their spouses, advisors to the prime minister, police and military top brasses, heads of public and private sectors, and religious leaders.

The ceremony commenced at 7.30 hrs at the lawn in front of Thai Khu Fa Building of Government House. Prime Minister Abhisit and his spouse Dr Pimpen lit up joss sticks and candles to start a Brahmin ceremony to worship and pray for peace in Thailand.

The ceremony then continued at Santi Maitri Building as clergies from the five religions chanted and conducted religious rites for peace and good fortune of Thailand, including Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Sikhism, respectively.