A few days ago a meeting was held at the Buddhamonthon Meeting Centre, after which Dr. Phra Dhammakosajan, Rector of Mahachulalongkorn University, announced that Mahachula University is ready to host the imminent celebrations of the International Day of Vesak.

The celebration of the Day of Vesak this year is dedicated to honouring His Majesty the King on the Sixtieth Anniversary of His Majesty?s Coronation. The Rector said that the Conference will lay emphasis on HM the King?s recommendations for a self-sufficient economy, which is of importance both for the way of life of Thai people and of those in other Buddhist countries, both Theravada and Mahayana.

The Rector also said that there will be an Exhibition with contributions from a number of countries, including China, Cambodia, Vietnam and Australia. The Exhibition will be open to the public from 8-12 May.

The International Day of Vesak has been recognised by the United Nations as a world holiday, observed in many Buddhist countries. Many countries have agreed to participate in the coming celebration, and their representatives will be offering papers at the Conference which is being held in Buddhamonthon and Bangkok, 1-10 May.