Kalasin: His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen presided over the ceremony of cutting the ceremonial ribbon for the temple’s foundation stone at Wat Prachanaiyom in Kalasin Province. The event marked a significant occasion in the religious and cultural life of the province.
According to Thai News Agency, the royal couple’s visit began with their arrival at Roi Et Airport, where they were welcomed by military honor guards and local dignitaries, including Mr. Chatchawal Benjasiriwong, Governor of Roi Et Province. The King and Queen then proceeded to Kalasin Province by royal helicopter to fulfill their royal duties.
At Kalasin University Stadium, they were greeted by Mr. Suwan Khemthanaphet, Governor of Kalasin Province, along with government officials and the public. Her Majesty the Queen traveled by royal automobile to Wat Prachanaiyom, a royal temple, where the route was adorned with traditional hand-woven Isan flags and performances by over 2,000 students and faculty members. Attendees from all districts wore Phu Thai ethnic costumes and “Kalasin Praewa” silk sashes, emphasizing the region’s cultural heritage.
Upon arriving at Wat Prachanaiyom, His Majesty the King performed traditional religious rituals, including lighting incense and candles, observing precepts, and participating in the sacred vine cutting ceremony. The ceremony featured monks chanting auspicious verses, and royal staff playing musical instruments. His Majesty inscribed his royal signature on a commemorative stone plaque.
The event highlighted the ongoing construction of the ‘Phra Chedi Sri Ming Mueang Kalasin,’ a pagoda designed to enshrine Buddha’s relics. The Governor of Kalasin reported that construction began in 2014 and is set to conclude in 2026. The pagoda, an architectural blend of Lanna and contemporary art, symbolizes Buddhist unity and spirituality in the region.
Wat Prachanaiyom, established in 1956 and elevated to a Royal Temple in 2025, is a model temple known for its educational centers and religious achievements. It serves as a hub for Buddhist education and houses the Kalasin Mahamakut Buddhist University College of Religious Studies.
During the visit, Their Majesties also supported health initiatives by granting permission for breast cancer screenings and general medical treatment for attendees. The Kanchanabaramee Foundation, Kalasin Provincial Medical Unit, and Royal Medical Corps conducted screenings, benefiting 146 individuals.
The visit underscored Their Majesties’ dedication to cultural preservation and public welfare, leaving a lasting impact on the Kalasin community.