Prime Minister Anutin led Ministry of Interior officials to pay respects to the Supreme Patriarch, joking that the rosewood rosary he wore was to 'support and not fall' when asked about it, revealing that the Patriarch blesses him every time they meet.
At 08:00 on 12 February 2026 GMT+7 at Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram Ratchaworawihan, His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch presided over merit-making ceremonies, offering alms and dedicating merit to the former monarchs King Rama IX, Her Majesty the Queen, and to senior monastic teachers, marking the auspicious ninth anniversary of the Supreme Patriarch's establishment.
Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, along with Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak Uwanno, led senior officials from the Ministry of Interior—including Permanent Secretary Arsit Sampanrat—to join the ceremony making merit and offering alms to 108 monks, and to pay respects to the Supreme Patriarch on this auspicious occasion.
Reporters noted that the Prime Minister wore a light blue shirt and was seen wearing a rosary as he left the temple. In an interview, he explained that the rosary was a gift from devotees, made from rosewood. When asked if it symbolized strength, stability, and prosperity, the Prime Minister jokingly responded, "To support and not fall." He then revealed that he came to pay his respects and offer blessings to the Supreme Patriarch on the anniversary of his establishment. When asked what blessings or encouragement the Supreme Patriarch had given him, the Prime Minister said, "He blesses me every time I have an audience." When further asked if the Supreme Patriarch had given any advice since he became Prime Minister, Anutin replied, "I did not seek additional counsel, trying not to disturb him as I listened to his prayers and blessings."
