King and Queen Preside Over Ceremonial Cornerstone Laying at Wat Prachaniyom in Kalasin Province

At 4:46 p.m. on May 16, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen journeyed to Wat Prachaniyom in Muang Kalasin District, Kalasin Province, to preside over the ceremonial cornerstone laying for the ordination hall. Upon arrival, Deputy Governor Thanaphat Na Ranong and provincial officials received the royal procession. The King entered the sanctuary, lit incense and candles in reverence to Buddha Nawarat, took the precepts with the monastic leadership officiating. After receiving a royal audience, the provincial governor reported on the history of the Si Ming Muang Chedi construction project and requested the King's presence at the cornerstone ceremony.

The King and Queen then proceeded to the ceremony site, where they wore ceremonial garments, applied gold leaf to the cornerstone, performed the ritual laying, and scattered coins into the foundation pit as monks chanted auspicious verses. After placing a commemorative plaque, the royal couple returned to the sanctuary to present Thai four requisites to the monks and bestowed alms. During the ceremony, Phra Thammavichit (Bua Sri Chutindharo), advisory abbot of Wat Prachaniyom, presented the King and Queen with a brass Buddha image inscribed with "Celebrating the Chedi 2569" as a commemorative gift.

Following the ceremony, the King and Queen traveled by helicopter to Roi Et Airport in Roi Et Province before departing by airplane for Bangkok. The occasion drew large crowds from Kalasin and neighboring provinces who came to pay respects and express their loyalty. With royal permission, the Kanjanabarm Foundation, the Royal Medical Corps, and local hospitals set up screening units for breast cancer and cervical cancer to serve at-risk and disadvantaged women and attendees.