BANGKOK, Thailand – His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua (Rama X) has presented saplings of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree to be planted in all 77 provinces nationwide on Sunday, 11 May 2025, which marks Visakha Puja, or the Day of Vesak.
His Majesty the King has bestowed the name for the saplings “Phra Sri Maha Bodhi Thotsama Ratchabophit,” which are scheduled to be planted simultaneously at appropriate places in all provinces at 09.29 hr, the auspicious time also given by His Majesty.
The Ministry of Interior has received reports from all 77 provinces that the saplings would be planted at 43 temples, 23 other religious centers, nine public parks, and two town halls.
His Majesty the King has also presented a video “Dhamma Nawa Wang” to be shown at the tree planting ceremony in each province. All Buddhists in various parts of the country are invited to participate in this ceremony. In Bangkok, the ceremony will take place at Lumphini Park in Pathum Wan District.
On this occasion, His Majesty the King will plant a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree on Visakha Puja Day, 11 May, at Ambara Villa, Dusit Palace, as well. His Majesty has named the sapling “Phra Sri Maha Bodhiyalongkorn.”
Falling on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month, Visakha Puja is the holiest day of the year for Buddhists all over the world. It commemorates the birth of the Buddha, his attainment of enlightenment, and his passing away. An extraordinary aspect of the occasion is that the three incidents took place on the same day but different years.
In Thailand, National Arbor Day is also observed alongside Visakha Puja Day each year. (PRD)
