 Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont inaugurated the 2007 International Buddhist Conference at the United Nations Convention Center in Bangkok on 27 May 2007.
It is the fourth consecutive year that Thailand honorably hosts the international Buddhist gathering marking the United Nations Day of Vesak, in which more than 1,000 Buddhist leaders, scholars, and members of Buddhist organizations from about 60 countries of five continents across the world take part.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the United Nations Day of Vesak is a significant day of all Buddhist people, as it marks the day when the Lord Buddha was born, as well as attained enlightenment and nirvana coincidentally.
This year's celebrations globally of the United Nations Day of Vesak, which falls on 31 May 2007, also coincides with Thailand's celebrations of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80 birthday anniversay, noted Gen. Surayud.
He, therefore, called on Thai people to follow the Lord Buddha's teachings on the "middle path" self-consciousness to achieve "true happiness", which coincides with the sufficiency economy principle advised by His Majesty the King.
The Prime Minister said the Lord Buddha's teachings on peaceful coexistence and reconciliation is also in line with the UN's goals.
The 2007 International Buddhist Conference, under the theme of "Buddhist Religion, Good Governance and Development", is also held held at Buddhamonthon in Thailand's central Nakhon Pathom Province on 26-29 May 2007, with top agenda including Perspectives on Buddhism and Good Governance, Buddhist Contribution to Good Governance and Development, Buddhist Meditation and Human Development, and Dissemination of Buddhism through Modern Technology.
The United Nations Day of Vesak has been celebrated at UN offices worldwide annually since it was adopted as a world significant day at the 54th UN General Assembly in 1999.
In Bangkok on 27 May 2007, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn also presided over a ceremony to officially open the countrys Vesak Week this year to the public at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground near the Grand Palace.
news research by ven.phramasrithont Director Information Technology
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