On February 16, 2025, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in New York, in collaboration with Team Thailand agencies and the Thai community in New York, held a merit-making ceremony to honor the late Phra Direk Chomphoonit and Mr. Thanapat Chanarat, who tragically lost their lives in the fire at Wat Usa-Buddhayaram on February 12, 2025. The ceremony was graciously hosted by Wat Buddha Thai Thavorn Vanaram in New York City.

 

     Since the incident on February 12, the Consulate General has been in close coordination with the Wat Usa-Buddhayaram executive committee, the families of the deceased and an injured individual, as well as New York City authorities, including the NYPD, local hospitals, and the Mayor’s Office, to ensure that necessary support and assistance are duly provided.

 

     The Royal Thai Consulate-General extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and sincerely appreciates the Thai community members who came together to perform merit-making in their honor. May their souls rest in peace.