BANGKOK, Thailand – The United States Embassy in Thailand marked the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence by hosting a traditional tree ordination ceremony at the ambassador’s residence in Bangkok, alongside Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt.
U.S. Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Sean O’Neill, together with his spouse Sachiyo Kubo and embassy officials, held the ceremony on August 25. Senior Buddhist monks, including Phra Ratchasutthiwachirasuthi, Abbot of Wat Suthiwararam, conducted the ritual on the residence grounds, which feature a rain tree over a century old.
The Ambassador said Americans take their role as stewards of historic, cultural, natural, and aesthetic heritage very seriously. He added that with Thailand now being his home, he wanted to continue that tradition of stewardship in a way meaningful within the Thai context. O’Neill added that the embassy grounds serve as a symbol of the long-standing relationship between the United States and Thailand, which he described as growing over time through mutual trust and care.
Governor Chadchart noted that the event aligns with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s initiatives to expand green spaces and improve air quality across the capital. “During our last term, we planted 2.6 million trees, and we aim to plant another 2 million in this term,” Chadchart said. “Trees are vital assets, but we sometimes forget that. Just as we hold ceremonies for new buildings, we need ceremonies like this to remind us of the importance of caring for them.”
The ceremony concluded with H.E. Ambassador O’Neill expressing appreciation to the people of Bangkok and Thailand, reaffirming the commitment to preserve the natural surroundings and nurture bilateral ties. (TNA)
