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At 9 a.m., Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi and his delegation arrived at Vietnam Quoc Tu, located in Hoa Hung Ward, to perform the sacred ritual of presenting the Royal Kathina robes.
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The Royal Kathina robe was conferred by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs to offer to the Sangha in Vietnam. This symbolic act expresses reverence and devotion to the Three Jewels, while also strengthening the spiritual and diplomatic ties between Thailand and Vietnam.
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The ceremony was solemnly witnessed by the Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, along with other high-ranking Buddhist dignitaries.
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Kathina is one of the most significant Theravāda Buddhist rituals, held after the three-month rains retreat (Vassa). The Royal Kathina ceremony holds the highest honor, as it involves robes bestowed by the King of Thailand to monasteries both domestically and internationally.
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During the ceremony, Deputy Minister Vijavat Isarabhakdi respectfully offered the Royal Kathina robe to the Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang.
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He then presented offerings to the monastics, including alms bowls, medicine, and daily necessities - demonstrating gratitude and support for the Buddhist community.
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Among the attendees were Mrs. Wannipa Isarabhakdi, spouse of the deputy foreign minister; Ms. Urawadee Sriphiromya, Thai Ambassador to Vietnam; Ms. Wiraka Moodhitaporn, Thai Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City; and Mr. Vorapan Srivoranart, Deputy Director General of the Department of East Asian Affairs, Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee's Commission for Communication and Education, and the Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, participated in the Royal Kathina ceremony with reverence.
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This year marks the 18th Royal Kathina robe offering ceremony organized by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vietnam.
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Mr. Pham Minh Tuan, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, also joined Deputy Minister Vijavat Isarabhakdi at the event.
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The event attracted a large gathering of Thai and Vietnamese Buddhists at Vietnam Quoc Tu on the morning of November 1. The atmosphere was serene and respectful, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual bond between the two neighboring countries.
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More than a religious ritual, the ceremony served as a profound expression of cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy. It contributed to fostering mutual understanding, respect, and friendship between Thailand and Vietnam - two nations deeply rooted in Buddhist heritage.
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The event also looked ahead to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand in 2026, heralding new opportunities for cooperation in culture, religion, and public diplomacy.

Since 1995, Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has maintained the tradition of offering the Royal Kathina robe to overseas temples as part of its cultural diplomacy initiative. The program strengthens international Buddhist networks and promotes Thai culture globally through religious outreach.

In 2025, the Royal Kathina ceremonies were held in eight countries: India, Myanmar, Malaysia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Laos, Vietnam, and China. Each location was selected for its significant bilateral ties with Thailand and the importance of Buddhism in its cultural life.

Nguyen Hue