Royal Kathina Robe Ceremony Reflects Deep-Rooted Malaysia-Thailand Friendship

TUMPAT, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- For the Siamese Buddhist community in Kelantan, the annual presentation of the Royal Kathina Robe at Wat Machimmaram here is more than a religious ceremony, as it also reflects the enduring cultural ties between Malaysia and Thailand.

The ceremony, which has been held in Malaysia since 1995, is part of a Buddhist tradition in which 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 said the ceremony also symbolised the close friendship between the two countries, which would mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

“The longstanding and close relationship between Thailand and Malaysia spans various areas. The 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 will be an important opportunity to strengthen friendship and expand cooperation in various fields,” he said in his speech at the Royal Kathina Robe presentation ceremony here today.

He said bilateral ties were also strengthened through people-to-people connections, including visits, family ties and continued trade between the two countries.

Chettaphan also praised the Siamese community in Kelantan for preserving its cultural identity, traditions, arts, language and way of life, as well as its Buddhist knowledge and teachings.

Wat Machimmaram, which serves as a spiritual centre for Buddhists from Malaysia and Thailand, received a royal robe from the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in 2009.

The temple, he said, is among those to have received the royal robe during two different reigns of the Thai monarchy.

Chettaphan expressed his appreciation to the temple management, Malaysian government representatives, the Thai Consulate-General in Kota Bharu and all those involved in organising the ceremony.

He also hoped that the friendship between Malaysia and Thailand, particularly among the Siamese community in Kelantan and surrounding areas, would continue to flourish.

– BERNAMA