On 13 April 2025, H.E. Ms. Arjaree Sriratanaban, Ambassador of Thailand, led heads, officials and staff members of Team Thailand agencies in Canberra, and their families, to attend the religious ceremony on the occasion of the Thai New Year and Songkran festival at Wat Dhammadharo, Lyneham. The ceremony was presided over by the Ambassador and Phra Rajasilaporn, Abbot of Wat Dhammadharo and President of the Thai Dhammayut Sangha Council of Australia and New Zealand.

 

Participants took part in the Buddhist ceremony which included merit making by offering food, alms and robes to the monks as well as merit dedication for the deceased. Participants also performed traditional Songkran rituals by pouring fragrance water onto the Buddha statue, and onto the hands of the monks and elders seeking well-wishes and blessings for the Thai New Year.

 

At the event, food stalls selling various Thai dishes were set up to raise funds to donate to Wat Dhammadharo. The Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand agencies wish to extend our thanks to the Thai community in Perth and surrounding area for their generous support by providing the holy basil leaves used for stir-fried holy basil chicken and pork (Kraprow Kai & Kraprow Moo) offered at our stall.