PM celebrates Thai Supreme Patriarch's birthday

BANGKOK, October 2 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra presided over an alms-giving ceremony Tuesday morning, for over 150 monks on the occasion of the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara's 99th birthday. The ceremony took place at the Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Rajavaravihara Temple, where the premier represented everyone that participated in the ceremony in paying respect and giving best wishes to the Supreme Patriarch, in which the monks chant prayers in return to give blessing to those attending Tuesday morning's ceremony. Joining the ceremony were Energy Minister Arak Chonlathanon, Cultures Minister Sukumol Khunpleum, along with Ministers attached to the Prime Minister's Office Worawut Aueapinyakul and Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisarn, as well as representatives from education institutions and devout Thai Buddhists. Premier Yinkluck then visited an exhibition of "100th Anniversary for our Supreme Patriarch" at the Mahamakut Buddhist University, where she also signed a well-wishing note for the Supreme Patriarch at the Phet Villa. (TNA)