The Kanchanaburi governor united the "Loyal Citizens" network to plant a forest dedicated to Her Majesty the Queen Mother on the occasion of her birthday anniversary, 12 Aug 2026, while also restoring the ecosystem, increasing green spaces, and reducing global warming.
On 4 August 2026 at 9:00 a.m., Ms. Warittha Sanguansermsri, Governor of Kanchanaburi Province, presided over the opening of a public service volunteer activity. The "Forest Planting in Honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother" project. For the fiscal year 2026, at Wat Phra That Chedi Mon Thung Kang Yang, Village No. 3, Thung Kang Yang Village, Sai Yok Subdistrict, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi Province. Attending were Mr. Sutthipong Julcharoen, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Mr. Sitthivee Wannapruk, Deputy Governor of Kanchanaburi; Mr. Prakob Siangliu, Mayor of Sai Yok Subdistrict; government officials; royal volunteer workers; local volunteers; teachers and students; government agencies; private sector representatives; and local residents. All expressed great joy in showing loyalty and gratitude for the royal benevolence.
The activity aimed to honor and express loyalty to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, on her birthday anniversary, 12 August 2026. It also sought to restore the ecosystem, increase green spaces, reduce global warming, promote tree conservation awareness to pass a better environment to future generations, foster unity, and offer opportunities for government officials, military personnel, and local residents in Sai Yok Subdistrict to participate together.
Regarding history, Wat Phra That Chedi Mon Thung Kang Yang was constructed starting Sunday, 18 March 1973, and completed on 22 March 1976. Later, between 1978 and 1982, the Mon village of Thung Kang Yang was relocated for security reasons, causing the temple and monks to move as well. This led to the temple's neglect and deterioration over time, including partial destruction by treasure hunters drilling into the pagoda.
In early 2023, Dr. Uthai Manee, secretary of the Ramani Rak Foundation, discovered the deteriorated condition of Wat Phra That Chedi Mon Thung Kang Yang. He then invited the monastic community, local leaders, Sai Yok Municipality, and the Mon community to jointly restore the pagoda. A volunteer team was formed to renovate and repair the pagoda, lay tiles on its platform, build fences and pavilions, improve the grounds, and construct stairs, beginning 9 April 2023 and completing by late 2023.
After restoration, a consecration ceremony enshrining a relic from Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan in Bangkok was held on Sunday, 7 April 2024. The ceremony was officiated by Phra Phrom Senabodi, a member of the Supreme Sangha Council, Regional Chief Monk of Region 7, and Abbot of Wat Pathum Khongkha Ratchaworawihan in Bangkok, serving as the chief monk. Mr. Sutthipong Julcharoen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, served as the lay chairman.