Prime Minister Anutin, accompanied by his wife, visited Chanthaburi Province to pay respects to Luang Pho Thong and raised King Taksin the Great's sword to pray for victory in battle and protection from all dangers. He expressed wishes for all Thai people to be happy, for world peace, and for oil prices to be affordable.
On 13 April 2026 at 2:00 p.m., Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, traveled to Chanthaburi Province by small plane landing at Tha Mai Airport, Tha Mai District, Chanthaburi Province, accompanied by Ms. Thananon Niramits, or Ja, his wife. The Prime Minister then paid respects to the sacred City Pillar Shrine, raising a Buddha image above his head for auspiciousness. He proceeded to the King Taksin the Great Shrine to pay homage, offer prayers, and raise the sword according to tradition for good fortune on the occasion of the Thai New Year, symbolizing victory in battle and triumph over all dangers.
He then traveled to Wat Thong Thu in Khlong Narai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province, to pay respects to “Luang Pho Thong,” or Phra Buddha Suwanmongkol Sakayamunee Srisanphet, a sacred Buddha image highly revered by local people. It has a long history dating back to 1767 and is connected to King Taksin the Great. The Prime Minister discussed Buddhist teachings with Phra Kru Charukhemakorn, the abbot of Wat Thong Thu, about the history and the temple’s ties to King Taksin. On this occasion, the abbot presented the Prime Minister with an invaluable ancient sacred object, the Luang Pho Thong’s Phra Yod Thong amulet, as well as a beautifully crafted statue of King Taksin the Great on the throne, all for auspicious blessings to welcome the Thai New Year.
When asked by reporters why he prayed for so long and what he wished for the Thai people, the Prime Minister responded, “I wish for all Thai people to be happy, for world peace, and for oil prices to be low.”
