On 12 April 2026, H.E. Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, Ambassador of Thailand to Belgium, together with her spouse, accompanied by Team Thailand officials attended a Songkran merit making ceremony at Buddharama Temple, Sint Niklaas, Belgium.

 

The merit making ceremony was presided over by Phra Khru Sangharak Chuchat Apinyano, Abbot of Wat Phai Lom, Pathumthani province, Thailand, and Phra Kru Siri Buddhivongse Vides, Abbot of Wat Buddharama, Sint Niklaas, Belgium. It was joyful to see a large number of Thai community members from Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, and their family as well as Belgian friends gathered to celebrate Thai New Year with traditions, including alms offering, providing meal to the monks, robe offerings and the rituals of pouring water on the Buddha statues. The event also featured community stalls offering Thai food, fresh produce, cooking ingredients, and traditional Thai massage services.

 

The Songkran Festival at Wat Buddharama is held annually through the strong cooperation of the Thai community. The Royal Thai Embassy rejoices in the merit of all participants and wishes everyone a year filled with happiness and blessings.