On 12 July 2026 at 09.00 hrs., H.E. Ms. Arjaree Sriratanaban, Ambassador of Thailand to Australia, attended the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Wat Pah Newcastle in Mandalong, New South Wales.

On this occasion, the Ambassador presided over the ceremony, which was also attended by Mr. Naruchai Ninnad, Consul-General of Thailand in Sydney, Heads and officials of Team Thailand agencies, as well as members of the Thai community from Newcastle and nearby areas.

Participants joined the Buddhist rituals including merit-making and blessing activities, the offering of robes to the monks, a Buddhist Lent candle casting ceremony, almsgiving and offering of lunch to the monks. The religious ritual was presided over by Phra Dhammavajirarangsi, Abbot of Wat Pah Buddharangsee, Leumeah, and Phra Samu Boonnam Manapo, Acting Abbot of Wat Pah Newcastle.

Wat Pah Newcastle, located in Mandalong, New South Wales, has been serving as an important spiritual centre for the Thai community and as one of centres for the Vipassana meditation. The temple also plays a vital role in preserving Buddhist traditions by hosting religious ceremonies and cultural activities for the Thai community in New South Wales.

Photo Courtesy of Royal Thai Consulate-General, Sydney.