Asia-Pacific News
Bhutan loans Buddha tooth relic to Thailand to mark royal birthday
Dec 2, 2011, 5:43 GMT
Bangkok - A Buddha's tooth relic was due to arrive in Bangkok Friday from Bhutan, to be displayed in the capital as part of celebrations marking the 84th birthday of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, local media reported.
The sacred relic, believed to have belonged to the Kassapa Buddha, is on loan from Bhutan's King Jigme Wangchuk, who visited Thailand last month to deepen ties between the two Buddhist-majority kingdoms.
'This is aimed at enhancing relations between Thailand and Bhutan,' the Thai Rath newspaper quoted national religious office director Amnart Buasiri as saying. 'This is the first time (the tooth relic) will be displayed outside Bhutan.'
He said the relic would be taken to the Royal Palace at Sanam Luang where it would be put on public display for five months, starting Saturday.
Meanwhile, 7,565 monks and novices, who were ordained in honour of the Thai king, are participating in Buddhist rituals and meditation sessions from December 1-11.
Royal birthday celebrations have been scaled back somewhat this year due to devastating monsoon floods that killed at least 667 people and caused more than 20 billion dollars in damage.
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