US Embassy Conducts Tree Ordination Ceremony for Century-Old Crab Apple
The US Embassy in Thailand held a Buddhist ordination ceremony for a century-old crab apple tree at its residence, joining Thai officials and senior monks to promote environmental conservation and honor the tree as a symbol of US-Thai frien
Recently, Sean K. O'Neill, US Ambassador to Thailand, and his wife, joined by Bangkok Governor Chatchai Sittiphan and Deputy Governor Pormprom Wikitsetrote, invited senior monks including Phra Sutthiwat Suddhi (Sudit Apakaaro), abbot of Suthivaranam Temple and associate vice president for research and innovation at Chulalongkorn University, and Phra Sitthiwat Bandith (Surathakdi Patchantengseno), associate vice president for international affairs at Chulalongkorn University, along with monks from the temple to conduct a Buddhist blessing and ordination ceremony for a century-old crab apple tree at the US Embassy residence in Thailand. The ceremony honored tree conservation and environmental protection on US Arbor Day.
The ambassador and Bangkok governor jointly installed a bamboo charm called "ta laew," a traditional talisman from northern Thailand made from carved bamboo strips woven together in an eye or fork pattern similar to the central Thai "chaloe" design. The charm is believed to ward off evil and mark the territory around the tree's base. They then wrapped the tree with a large ochre-colored cloth brought from Chiang Mai province to symbolize protection and honor for the tree, likening the ritual to a monk's ordination, which inspires people's respect and prevents them from destroying it. The ceremony aimed to cultivate public consciousness about environmental stewardship.
Governor Chatchai expressed joy at participating in the tree ordination ceremony, calling it his first such experience. He noted that Bangkok prioritizes sustainable green space expansion as a vital city element. The World Health Organization recommends at least nine square meters of green space per capita, while Bangkok currently has approximately six square meters per person, necessitating continued expansion. He emphasized that tree ordination ceremonies are important because trees are valuable city assets that people sometimes overlook; such rituals remind people of their worth and encourage collective care.
Ambassador O'Neill expressed gratitude to Governor Chatchai and Bangkok for their commitment to expanding green areas, planting trees, and improving air quality in Bangkok. He highlighted the significance of the US Embassy residence, home to the century-old crab apple tree that the United States has stewarded for nearly 80 years. The tree symbolizes the friendship and relationship between the United States and Thailand, which has flourished and strengthened over more than 190 years through mutual trust and generations of shared care.
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the ceremony reaffirmed the nation's commitment to preserving natural heritage and continuing cooperation with Bangkok and Thailand. The tree ordination was not merely an auspicious blessing for the tree and its location but a reflection of two nations' friendship that will grow stronger and more sustainable. The senior monks also blessed Ambassador O'Neill and his wife, inviting them to visit Chulalongkorn University to serve as expert speakers for the 33rd training program for foreign Buddhist missionaries, and welcomed the ambassador to participate in further exchange initiatives.
