On September 6, 2025, Ms. Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General in New York, along with Ms. Thammajit Thitimontre, Consul, attended the opening ceremony of the 32nd Special Annual Meeting of the Council of Thai Bhikkhus in the U.S.A for 2025, which also served as the annual Abbots meeting and a commemoration of the Day of the Dhamma Missionaries. The event was held at Vajiradhammapadip Temple, Long Islands, New York, and was presided over by Phra Thep Vajiravited, Abbot of Buddhanusorn Temple, President of the Council of Thai Bhikkhus in the U.S.A. On this occasion, the Consul General offered a royal homage and placed a floral pedestal to His Majesty the King of Thailand portrait’s as well as delivered welcoming remarks to the Dhamma Missionaries. The message emphasizes the importance of the meeting and Dhamma Missionaries which demonstrates unity and determination in propagating Buddhism abroad. The Consul General also emphasizes the importance of temple, as a sanctuary and spiritual anchor for Thais living abroad. The assembly have 170 monks participated including abbots, senior monastics, and Dhamma missionaries representing from 120 temples in the United States of America.

 

     On September 7, 2025, Mr. Khunthong Nuanual, Deputy Consul General in New York, as a representative of the Consul General in New York participated at the memorial merit-making ceremony for Phra Thep Kittisophon, former President of the Council of Thai Bhikkhus in the U.S.A. and another commemoration of the Day of the Dhamma Missionaries, and merit-making on the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the foundation of Vajiradhammapadip Temple. Deputy Consul General also participated in a Buddhist chanting ceremony and offered lunch as well as the temple’s actvities.