Buddha Tooth Relic Loaned to Thailand Shrine

A sacred relic of the Buddha's tooth, on loan from China, has been ceremoniously welcomed in Thailand amidst celebrations for King Maha Vajiralongkorn's birthday and the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Thailand and China. The relic was transported from Beijing's Lingguang Temple and paraded through Bangkok, drawing over 2,000 attendees. The procession culminated in a ceremonial enshrinement at Sanam Luang, attended by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and representatives from China. The tooth relic symbolizes Buddha's teachings and has been a key piece of soft diplomacy for China, despite ongoing debates about its provenance. Public access to the relic will be available from December 5 to February 14, providing an opportunity for thousands to pay their respects. This event marks the latest in a series of cultural exchanges highlighting the historical and religious significance of such artifacts between the two nations.