On February 22 and 23, 2025, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in New York, led by

Ms. Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General, along with other officials, participated in the memorial services for Phra Direk Chomphoonit and Mr. Thanapat Chanarat, who tragically lost their lives in the fire at Wat Usa-Buddhayaram on February 12, 2025.

 

     On February 22, 2025, the Council of Thai Bhikkhus in the U.S., in collaboration with Wat Vajiradhammapadip in Mount Vernon, held a funeral chanting ceremony, presided over by Phra Thep Wachirawithet, President of the Council, with 18 monks in attendance. On the following day, February 23, the monastic community and executive committee of Wat Usa-Buddhayaram, together with Wat Buddha Thai Thavorn Vanaram in New York City, organized a merit-making ceremony at Wat Buddha Thai Thavorn Vanaram. Both ceremonies were attended by a large number of members from the Thai community in New York.

 

     The Royal Thai Consulate-General in New York extends its deepest sympathies for the loss and damage caused by this tragedy and stands in solidarity with Wat Usa-Buddhayaram and all those affected. The Consulate-General also expresses its gratitude to the Thai community in New York and across various states for their heartfelt condolences and contributions to the merit-making ceremonies, reflecting the compassion, unity, and resilience of Thais abroad.