On 24 October 2014, H.E. Mr. Narong Sasitorn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presided over the Royal Kathin Robe Offering Ceremony, graciously bestowed by His Majesty the King through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to the congregation of monks at Prachacinaram Temple, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Also present at the ceremony were Ms. Saowalak Chaichuson, Chargés d'affaires a.i. of Thailand to Malaysia; Mr. Jackrid Kanjanasoon, Consul - General of Thailand in Kota Bharu; representatives from Team Thailand (Thai government offices) in Malaysia; along with approximately 500 Siamese Malaysians and Chinese Malaysians.  In addition, YB Dato’ Hj. Che Abdullah Mat Nawi, Agriculture, Biotechnology and Green Technology Committee Chairman, representative of Menteri Besar (Head Executive) of Kelantan; Datuk Mohd Rosdi Abdul Aziz, Tumpat UMNO Acting Chief; attended the Royal Kathin Robe Welcoming Ceremony in the evening of 23 October 2014, The offering of the Royal Kathin Robes is part of Thailand’s cultural diplomacy which aims to  promote people to people interactions, strengthen ties and instill trust between Thailand and neighbouring countries particularly Malaysia.

The Royal Kathin Robe Offering Ceremony at Prachacinaram Temple was a great success as it brought Thais and Malaysians closer through merit making. The benevolence of His Majesty the King as the upholder of religions was well recognized. The donation by His Majesty the King, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the Thai and Malaysian Buddhists totaled 129,000 Ringgits or approximately 1,290,000 Bahts. H.E. Mr. Narong Sasitorn and the delegation had an opportunity to visit Phikulthong Vararam Temple to pay respect to the Phra Vicarnvuthikhun, the Primate of Kelantan and the temple’s Chief Abbot. The delegation also visited the Thai language school for Siamese Malaysian youth and met President of the Siamese Association in Kelantan.