BANGKOK, Thailand – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) held a solemn merit-making ceremony to honor and dedicate blessings to those injured and killed in the tragic collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Chatuchak District on May 13.
The ceremony took place at 7:00 a.m. at the parking building of the SAO site, with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt presiding as the lay leader. The event was held to offer spiritual support and encouragement to the emergency responders and personnel involved in the rescue and recovery operations. Families of the victims and the injured were also in attendance.
His Holiness Somdet Phra Maha Thirachan, a senior member of the Sangha Supreme Council and Abbot of Wat Pho, led the religious ceremony as the chief monk. A total of 89 monks were invited to receive alms as part of the morning ritual.
At 8:00 a.m., a group of 109 monks chanted Buddhist scriptures to transfer merit to the deceased. Later, at 9:45 a.m., BMA executives, officials from related agencies, and field personnel from multiple units gathered at the ground floor of the SAO parking building to observe a moment of silence. This act served as a symbolic tribute to those affected by the earthquake-related building collapse.
The ceremony highlighted the city’s commitment to mourning with the community and supporting those impacted by the tragic incident. (BMA)
