Thai King and Queen Pray at Historic Pagoda During Vietnam Visit

Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida visited Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi on the morning of September 16 as part of their state visit to Vietnam, participating in Buddhist prayer ceremonies. They were welcomed by Superior Monk Thich Thanh Nhieu, abbot of Quan Su Pagoda, along with other monks and followers. On the Vietnamese side, the delegation included Mr. Le Khanh Hai, Head of the Office of the President, and Mr. Pham Viet Hung, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand. Thailand's delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya. The King and Queen proceeded to the main hall to perform the rituals of offering candles and flowers. Subsequently, monks and followers recited scriptures praying for the health and peace of the King and Queen, as well as for the further development of Vietnam-Thailand relations, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The "Heart Sutra," recited during the ceremony, conveys the Buddhist concept of "emptiness" to dispel afflictions and guide the mind towards purity, praying for humanity to be free from war, natural disasters, and conflict. This prayer ritual reflects the "engaged Buddhism" spirit of Vietnam and affirms the commitment of both nations to jointly build a peaceful, cooperative, and prosperous world, according to Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN). A unique aspect of Vietnam-Thailand relations is the cultural similarity and deep Buddhist exchange. Quan Su Pagoda also serves as the working office for high-ranking monks of the Central Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. The pagoda has previously hosted dignitaries such as the King of Cambodia and the Prime Minister of India. The King and Queen conveyed their greetings and wishes for health and peace to the high-ranking clergy leaders of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. They were then seen off by the monks. Source: VnExpress