Special Report - Consecration of Buddhist Area at Dhammatharo Temple

On Sunday, January 25, 2026, the Supreme Patriarch instructed Somdet Phra Maha Weerawong (Suchin Akkachino), a Supreme Sangha Council member, to perform religious duties on his behalf. He presided over the consecration ceremony at Dhammatharo Temple in Canberra, Australia, honoring the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The ceremony included raising ceremonial umbrellas for a Buddha image, installing sacred relics in the Sri Dhammatharo Chedi, and establishing the temple's sacred boundary. The Supreme Patriarch has overseen the temple's construction and patronage since 1993, continuing the vision of the previous Supreme Patriarch. Initially, Phra Phrommanee approved the first monk, Phra Maha Supachai Tikkaviro, to serve at the temple. The late King Bhumibol had previously granted royal approval for the temple's design during his 60th anniversary celebrations in 2006 and 80th birthday in 2007. Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn was earlier deputed to perform the initial ceremonial rituals. On this occasion, Princess Chlem Sikayukol and the Governor-General of Australia attended the ceremony, representing the Australian head of state.