Prayut leads cabinet making merits to mark upcoming Songkran festival

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha this morning led his cabinet ministers and their spouses in a merit-making ceremony to offer alms to 30 monks at Government House to mark the upcoming Songkran or the Thai traditional New Year.

He also allowed cabinet ministers, their spouses, and Government House officials to pour water on his hands and to receive his blessings on the occasion of the imminent Songkran Day this weekend.

The prime minister also gave Buddha amulets to all his well-wishers as souvenirs after the blessing.

Earlier the prime minister encouraged the public to preserve old traditions and promote family activities during the Songkran festival this year.

Such old tradition was to pour water on the hands of their parents or respected seniors and receive their blessings for the happiness of their lives.

In his message to the public on the occasion of the annual Songkran festival, Gen Prayut stated that Songkran is an important period when family members are afforded the opportunity to get together for activities such as alms-making, Buddha image bathing, listening to religious sermons, seeking blessings from seniors and water splashing.

He said these activities invariably strengthen relations between family members as well as create peace of mind for each individual.

The prime minister emphasised that the government has a policy of preserving, restoring and propagating Thai cultural heritage, which would provide the tourism sector with a sustainable selling point.

Members of the public are urged to carry out each Songkran activity politely, dress in appropriate clothes and be mindful of the safety of others and themselves.

Gen Prayut also wished everybody happiness and prosperity.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/prayut-leads-cabinet-making-merits-to-mark-upcoming-songkran-festival

-- Thai PBS 2015-04-09

He also allowed cabinet ministers, their spouses, and Government House officials to pour water on his hands and to receive his blessings on the occasion of the imminent Songkran Day this weekend.

I really believe it's a nice gesture in Thai culture to show elders respect.

Will do so in a few days for my parents in law and grand mom, who's really very sick.

And of course to some older Thai friends, which is a nice part of Thai culture. But to be honest it would be much better without a general in power.

I truly hope grandma will be part of it this year. Here're some photos from last year in the village.

Edited April 9, 201511 yr by lostinisaan

He also allowed cabinet ministers, their spouses, and Government House officials to pour water on his hands and to receive his blessings on the occasion of the imminent Songkran Day this weekend.

I really believe it's a nice gesture in Thai culture to show elders respect.

Will do so in a few days for my parents in law and grand mom, who's really very sick.

And of course to some older Thai friends, which is a nice part of Thai culture. But to be honest it would be much better without a general in power.

I truly hope grandma will be part of it this year. Here're some photos from last year in the village.

Very cool post and certainly agree; it is the nicer part of Thai culture.

Sounds more like The Pope than a prime minister.

He also allowed cabinet ministers, their spouses, and Government House officials to pour water on his hands and to receive his blessings on the occasion of the imminent Songkran Day this weekend.

I really believe it's a nice gesture in Thai culture to show elders respect.

Will do so in a few days for my parents in law and grand mom, who's really very sick.

And of course to some older Thai friends, which is a nice part of Thai culture. But to be honest it would be much better without a general in power.

I truly hope grandma will be part of it this year. Here're some photos from last year in the village.

Very cool post and certainly agree; it is the nicer part of Thai culture.

Granny looks very sweet.

Your photos show what Songkran should be like, much like Christmas used to be like before commercialism took over. A time for family.

There is that Jack Nicholson look again, he is mad I tell you - mad, mad mad!