Bangkok Marks Historic Alms-Giving Ceremony on Three Canals

Somdet Phra Phutthajarn (Sanit Chuanpanyo), a senior Buddhist official and abbot of Wat Trimitwitayaram, presided over the monastic order, while Deputy Prime Minister Ek Niti Niteethanadprasap chaired the lay participants in an alms-giving ceremony dedicating merit to His Majesty the King on his 2025 birthday. The ceremony, titled "Water of Life Under Royal Grace: Continuing Rattanakosin's Ways," was held under a royal initiative to improve living conditions for residents and vulnerable people around Koh Rattanakosin. The event took place at Pom Mahakhat Park and along the canals surrounding Koh Rattanakosin, with attendance from government officials, private sector representatives, civil society, and the public.

The boat alms-giving ceremony represents a significant moment in Bangkok's 240-year history, uniting people from the capital and other provinces to offer alms to 225 monks—75 from each of the three canal routes. The ceremony reflects the connection between waterside life, Buddhism, and the Thai monarchy, preserving the cultural heritage and identity of canal communities. It demonstrates the King's vision for water resource management, environmental conservation, and improving quality of life through technology and innovation, with focus on vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including support for health services and social welfare along Khlong Lhodrao (Soi Sake).

The event also showcased the royal projects and their achievements, highlighting the King's compassion across development, water management, and sustainable natural resource conservation. Success resulted from collaboration among royal offices, government agencies, private sector, civil society, and networks, transforming the Koh Rattanakosin canal area into a space for historical preservation, cultural learning, and public benefit while strengthening the lives of vulnerable populations. On the occasion of the King's 74th birthday, Thai citizens from all sectors demonstrated loyalty and gratitude through religious activities, volunteer work, and community participation.