Tumpat:For the Siamese Buddhist community in Kelantan, the annual presentation of the Royal Kathina Robe at Wat Machimmaram is more than a religious ceremony, as it also reflects the enduring cultural ties between Malaysia and Thailand.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ceremony, held in Malaysia since 1995, is part of a Buddhist tradition where Thailand’s King bestows the Kathina Robe on the Foreign Affairs Ministry for presentation to Buddhist temples overseas. Thai Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Chettaphan Maksamphan, noted that the event symbolized the close friendship between the two countries, which will celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Chettaphan highlighted that the longstanding relationship between Thailand and Malaysia spans various areas, with the upcoming anniversary serving as an opportunity to strengthen friendship and expand cooperation. He emphasized that bilateral ties are reinforced through people-to-people connections such as visits, family ties, and trade.

He praised the Siamese community in Kelantan for preserving its cultural identity, traditions, arts, language, and Buddhist practices. Wat Machimmaram, a spiritual center for Buddhists from both countries, received a royal robe from the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in 2009, making it one of the temples to have received the royal robe during two different reigns of the Thai monarchy.

Chettaphan expressed appreciation to the temple management, Malaysian government representatives, the Thai Consulate-General in Kota Bharu, and all involved in organizing the ceremony. He hoped the friendship between Malaysia and Thailand, especially among the Siamese community in Kelantan, would continue to flourish.

Source BERNAMA News Agency