Nay Pyi Taw February 18
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, currently in Thailand on his goodwill visit, accompanied by his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, Lt-Gen Min Naung, Lt-Gen Soe Htut and senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand U Myo Myint Than, Myanmar Military Attaché (Army, Navy and Air) Brig-Gen Khin Zaw and officials, visited and paid homage to Sothon Wararam Temple in Bangpakong Province this morning.
First, the Senior General and wife offered oil lights and joss sticks to the Buddha Image in the temple. After paying homage to members of the Sangha, the Senior General and wife donated offertories and shared merits gained. Then, the Assistant Abbot explained the history of the temple to the Senior General and wife and presented a booth on history of the temple as Dhamma gift. The Senior General and wife paid homage to long-life Abbot Phra Ratcha Mongkoln Klarangsi and offered donations. The Sayadaw returned a Buddha image as Dhamma gift and dispersed Metta.
The Senior General and party viewed the Buddha Image in the temple and the replica of the urn tiers in line with the wish of Rama IX His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Sothon Wararam Temple is 248 years old. It was renovated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand in 1966. The cornerstones were laid for reconstruction of the temple in September 1996 and it was opened in 2006. The temple is packed with local and international pilgrims.
