On the auspicious occasion of Chakri Day, Prime Minister Anutin led senior executives and officials of the Ministry of Interior in a worship and eye-opening ceremony for the 'Phra Phuttha Mahanuanakapatimakon,' aiming to inspire ministry staff to alleviate suffering and promote the wellbeing of the people.
At 08:40 on 6 April 2026 GMT+7, at Sirindhorn Pirom Garden, Ministry of Interior headquarters, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the worship ceremony of Phra Phuttha Mahanuanakapatimakon at the Nakhaprok Shrine. The event was graciously led by Somdet Phra Maharatchamongkol Muni (Thongchai Thammathatcho), Assistant Abbot of Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan, Great Central Ecclesiastical Chief, and member of the Supreme Sangha Council, as the Buddhist ceremony leader. Also attending were Deputy Ministers Pol.Phi Suwannachavee, Je-Seth Thaiset, Worasit Liangprasit; Permanent Secretary Arsit Sampanrat; Deputy Permanent Secretaries Chotinrin Kerdsom and Chaiwat Chuenkosum; Directors-General Pornpoj Penphat (Department of Lands), Narucha Khonsanasivilai (Department of Provincial Administration), Theerapat Kachamat (Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation), Pongsanara Yenying (Department of Public Works and Town Planning), Theerut Supaviboonpol (Department of Local Administration), among others.
At this occasion, Somdet Phra Maharatchamongkol Muni conducted the eye-opening ritual for the Phra Phuttha Mahanuanakapatimakon. Following this, Prime Minister Anutin poured holy water from a conch shell onto the statue, anointed it, scattered flowers, offered garlands, and lit incense and candles in worship. Senior officials then lit incense, candles, and ceremonial offerings, while the chief Brahmin recited the auspicious invocation. The ceremony concluded with the scattering of puffed rice and flowers over the offerings.
At 09:15, Prime Minister Anutin led the chanting of Buddhist scriptures, with Somdet Phra Maharatchamongkol Muni and ten monks from Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan officiating. Senior civil servants presented offerings, food, and water libations to dedicate merit. The Somdet then sprinkled holy water, marking the official conclusion of the ceremony.
The installation of the 'Phra Phuttha Mahanuanakapatimakon' as the principal Buddha image at the Nakhaprok Shrine in Sirindhorn Pirom Garden, Ministry of Interior, faces north. Its design was kindly supported by Somdet Phra Maharatchamongkol Muni (Thongchai Thammathatcho), Great Central Ecclesiastical Chief and Assistant Abbot of Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan. The Buddha statue’s art style is a beautiful blend inspired by the Sukhothai tradition, drawing from the nine-headed Naga Phra Nakhaprok statue at Wat Phra That Chet Thaeo in Satchanalai, Sukhothai Province, seamlessly combined with the distinctive Rattanakosin era style. The statue is a contemporary Buddhist sculpture cast in two parts: the Buddha image and the base, which features seven tiers of overlapping naga scales with the nine-headed 'Phaya Muchalinda' spreading its hoods as the 'Mahanawanaga,' serving as the Buddha's throne. This symbolizes protection from dangers, evil forces, and the elements, ensuring the Buddha's comfort, as recounted in Buddhist lore.
The construction of the Nakhaprok Shrine is not only a religious site but also a symbolic center to strengthen morale among Ministry of Interior officials. It encourages their commitment to the mission of alleviating suffering and promoting the wellbeing of the people, guided by Buddhist principles that provide peace and protection. The shrine also aspires to foster peace, progress, and long-term stability within the organization.
Also attending were senior executives of the Ministry of Interior including Acting Mr. Chamnarn Chuentha, Police Lieutenant Commander Trakool Thotham, Mr. Tosaphon Phueanudom, Mr. Pracha Unpetchwarakorn, Ministry of Interior inspectors; Mr. Saharat Wongsakulwiwat, Acting Advisor for Administrative Affairs; Police Lieutenant Colonel Khetrat Chansilp, Acting Advisor for Security Affairs; Mr. Chakrapong Kamchan, Governor of Provincial Waterworks Authority; Mr. Dichawat Chan-ee, Governor of Metropolitan Electricity Authority; Mr. Mongkol Trikitjanon, Governor of Provincial Electricity Authority; Mr. Chira Wongsaburana, Director of the Wastewater Management Authority; along with assistant permanent secretaries, deputy directors-general, directors, experts, and officials from the Ministry of Interior, all participating in the ceremony.