Phichit Province Holds Buddhist Chanting, Wreath-Laying, and Royal Tribute Ceremony on the Anniversary of King Mongkut’s Passing
On October 1, 2025, at 7:00 a.m., at the meeting hall of Luang Pho Phet Wittaya School, Wat Tha Luang Royal Monastery, Mueang Phichit District, Ms. Thaniya Naipinit, Governor of Phichit, presided over the Buddhist chanting ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the passing of His Majesty King Mongkut (King Rama IV).
Also attending were Mr. Kitipon Wetchakun, Deputy Governor of Phichit, Ms. Wimalsiri Jaiboon, Deputy President of the Phichit Red Cross Chapter, Mr. Thanit Phumithawon, Deputy Governor of Phichit, Mr. Ronarong Sithikhetkon, Permanent Secretary of Phichit Province, along with government officials, state enterprises, private sector representatives, and local citizens.
After the chanting, the Governor led the wreath-laying ceremony and royal tribute before the portrait of King Mongkut, followed by a merit-making almsgiving ceremony for Buddhist monks. This was held in remembrance of King Mongkut’s great contributions as a monarch of wisdom who modernized Siam’s governance, customs, and traditions, earning international recognition and ushering in the country’s first wave of social and cultural transformation.
King Mongkut (Rama IV) was born on October 18, 1804, the son of King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai (Rama II) and Queen Sri Suriyendra. He ascended the throne as the fourth monarch of the Chakri Dynasty on April 2, 1851, at the age of 47, and reigned for 17 years until his passing on October 1, 1868, at the age of 64.
He is remembered as a reformist king who blended Eastern and Western traditions, introduced Western-style attire for officials, signed international treaties such as the Bowring Treaty, safeguarded Siam’s sovereignty from colonial powers, and studied Western sciences and languages. His accurate prediction of a solar eclipse at Wa Ko, Prachuap Khiri Khan, earned him the title “Father of Thai Science.”
(Phichit Public Relations Office – News/Photos, October 1, 2025)
