BANGKOK, Thailand: Foreign tourists joined locals across Thailand yesterday to mark Visakha Bucha Day (Wesak Day), which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.
Many flocked to temples, where religious and community activities filled the day.
Among them was Hsu, 33, from Taipei, who visited Bangkok’s Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen.
“Thais seem deeply devoted to Buddhist practices. I saw antique amulets and heard chanting throughout the temple – it was unforgettable,” she said.
Mohammed Rafiq, 25, from Iraq, said he and his wife were drawn by locals’ recommendations.
“This is our first time in Thailand. The scale, the architecture, the devotion – it’s all new to us,” he said, adding that they planned to visit more temples despite the sweltering weather.
Popular temples during Wesak Day included Wat Saket, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho.
With over 40,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand, Wesak remains a major national celebration observed in reverence, prayer and merit-making. – BERNAMA
