On occasion of Vesakha Day this year, the Royal Thai Embassy in Madrid organized the Vesakha Budhist Ceremony at the Residence of the Ambassador of Thailand to Spain on 8 May 2011. The Embassy was honoured with the gracious presence of Somdej Phra Wannarat, Acting Abbot of Wat Bowonnowet Vihara, who travelled to Spain with the purpose of presiding over the Buddhist ritual performed on Vesakha Day which includes prayers, sermons, merit-making and candel light procession. This activity is the first Buddhist ceremony ever organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Madrid and it has received a good response from more than 100 Thai people.

                        For this special ceremony, Somdej Phra Wannarat has also presented the Buddha Image “Bhumibol”, which is later granted to the Embassy. On 12 May 2011, Somdej Phra Wannarat also most kindly performed the Buddhist ritual of merit-making at the Royal Thai Embassy.