Chonburi, Thailand – On Thursday, August 21st, 2025, Mr. Phongthasit Patchanan, Deputy Governor of Chonburi Province, presided over the opening ceremony of the “Temple, People, State, Happiness” project, aimed at promoting activities to establish model temples as community centers.
The event took place at Wat Santikiri Khet and Wat Khao Taeng On in Si Racha District. Venerable Phra Thep Wachirapanyaphon, the abbot of Wat Chai Mongkol and acting Provincial Chief Monk of Chonburi, led the monastic delegation. The ceremony was attended by Mrs. Uekritthai Phoollap, Director of the Chonburi Provincial Office of Buddhism, along with government officials, local administrative leaders, community leaders, and residents.
In Thailand, Buddhism is the national religion under the provisions of the Constitution. His Royal Majesty the King, as the head of state, is a Buddhist and, together with the government, supports and promotes Buddhist activities among the populace. Temples have long served as the heart of Thai communities, acting as pillars for developing individuals’ physical and mental well-being, making them integral to the Thai way of life.
Mrs. Uekritthai Phoollap explained that the Chonburi Provincial Office of Buddhism is tasked with supporting monastic activities and promoting Buddhism. The “Temple, People, State, Happiness” project for the 2025 fiscal year focuses on implementing the 5S principles—Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain—to transform temples into community hubs. These principles aim to create clean, serene, and organized temple environments conducive to learning, giving both physical and spiritual development.
The project included a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to team up on activities such as Big Cleaning Day and community service initiatives, with participation from community volunteers. The program seeks to establish temples as model spaces for physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth, promoting harmony and sustainability. By integrating the 5S framework, the project aims to organize temples as tranquil spaces for worship, meditation, and community engagement, building strong relationships between temples, communities, and various public and private organizations.
This effort is expected to contribute to lasting peace and well-being in society, reinforcing the role of temples as vital community centers in Chonburi.
