Chonburi Gov. Khomsan
Ekachai (center left) and Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome (center right) cut
the first locks of hair for novices entering the monkhood in honor of
His Majesty the King.
Thanachot Anuwan and Patcharapol Panrak
Pattaya-area men marked the start of HM the King’s 86th year by
joining the monkhood for 10 days at ceremonies in Pattaya and Sattahip.
In Pattaya, 86 participated in an ordination ceremony outside Pattaya
City Hall Dec. 2 where Chonburi Gov. Khomsan Ekachai joined Mayor
Itthiphol Kunplome for services for the novices, inviting family members
and friends to participate. They also lit candles and joss sticks,
recited prayers and paid respect to a painting of HM the King, who
turned 86 Dec. 5.
The eight-day ordination process featured a parade of monks’ robes and
pleas for forgiveness. The following day, they attended ceremonies at
Buddhiwararam, Jittapawan Vittaya, Sawangfah Pritaram, Nong Yai, and
Thamsamakkee temples.
On Dec. 8, the ordained monks accepted alms during a procession from
Rungland Village to Chaimongkol Temple in South Pattaya.
In Sattahip, Royal Thai Navy Vice Adm. Rerngrith Bunsongprasert presided
over the hair-cutting ceremony for 75 young men at Khao Bamphenbun
Temple.
He said it was a delight that the temple had organized the group
ceremony to honor HM the King. He expressed gratitude to the monks
committee for the temple’s sponsorship.
