On 25 January 2026, H.E. Ms. Arjaree Sriratanaban, Ambassador of Thailand to Australia, together with Heads and officials of Team Thailand agencies in Canberra and their spouses, attended the Consecration Ceremony of the Buddhavasa Precinct at Wat Dhammadharo in Canberra.

On this occasion, Venerable Somdej Phra Mahawirawong, the Representative of His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, presided over the monastic ceremony. He was joined by Venerable Phra Rajasilaporn, Abbot of Wat Dhammadharo and President of the Thai Dhammayut Sangha Council of Australia and New Zealand, together with more than 100 Dhammayut monks from Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.

His Highness Prince Chalermsuk Yukala graciously presided over the ceremony. Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, also honoured the occasion with her presence. The ceremony was attended by more than 1,000 Buddhists and members of the Thai community in Canberra and surrounding areas, as well as those who travelled from various regions across Australia and from Thailand.

The Ambassador presented a report on the background of the Construction Project of the Buddhavasa Precinct, which was undertaken to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of His Late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great’s Accession to the Throne in 2006. The project was placed under the patronage of the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. The successful completion of the project was made possible through the faith and devotion of Buddhists in Thailand, Australia, and other countries. His Majesty the King graciously granted royal permission for Wat Dhammadharo to enshrine the Emblem Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Accession to the Throne of His Late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great on the Uposatha Hall.

His Highness Prince Chalermsuk Yukala delivered remarks highlighting the importance of Buddhism and Thai temples overseas, as well as the unity and harmony of the Thai community and the bond between the Nation, Buddhism, and the Monarchy. His Highness also recalled memories when His Highness studied in Australia over 50 years ago, during the same period that His Majesty the King, then the Crown Prince, was studying in Australia and His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch, then Phra Pariyattikavi, was performing Buddhist missionary duties in Australia. His Highness expressed appreciation for the faith and unity of the Buddhist community, and thanked the Australian Government and relevant authorities for their support of Buddhist activities and for fostering people-to-people relations between the two countries. His Highness then led participants in formally offering the Buddhavasa Precinct to the Sangha.

In her remarks, the Governor-General described the ceremony as a significant milestone for both the Buddhist and Thai communities in Australia. She commended the contributions of the Thai community to Australian society and reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between Australia and Thailand. Wat Dhammadharo was recognised as an important centre for the preservation and promotion of Buddhism, as well as for fostering the shared values of compassion, harmony, and multiculturalism in Australia.

Photos courtesy from วัดธัมมธโร Wat Dhammadharo Canberra/Governor-General of Australia Facebook page