Thais as Visakha Puja, will be held on a grand scale in Thailand this year, in conjunction with the Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of His Majestys Accession to the Throne.

Falling on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month, the Day of Vesak is the holiest day of the year for Buddhists all over the world. It commemorates the birth of the Buddha, his attainment of enlightenment, and his passing away. The three incidents took place on the same day but different years.

This year, the Day of Vesak falls on Friday, May 12. The United Nations in 1999 recognized the Day of Vesak as an international event. Since then, Thailand has held celebrations of the day at the international level. Last year, the Government supported Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya, a Buddhist university, to serve as the core agency in organizing the International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak, as part of the international celebrations of Vesak in Thailand.

Again, this year, with support from the Government, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya was entrusted by the Sangha Supreme Council, or Mahathera Samakhom, to host the International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak. The four-day conference, scheduled for May 7-10, will take place at Buddhamonthon in Nakhon Pathom Province and the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok.

Buddhist leaders, scholars, and members of Buddhist organizations from about 40 countries have been invited to participate in this conference, which is also considered as part of the celebrations marking the 60th year on the throne of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The theme of this event is Buddhist Contribution to World Peace and Sustainable Development. Representing His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, will preside over the opening ceremony at Buddhamonthon on May 7 at 2:00 p.m.

There will be exhibitions and cultural exchange programs at Buddhamonthon. Activities at the United Nations Conference Center include a panel discussion, Perspectives on Buddhist Strategy for World Peace and Sustainable Development, a workshop, speeches, messages, and religious ceremonies and blessings. Buddhist leaders from all over the world will proceed to the Grand Palace on May 9 for chanting to celebrate His Majestys 60th year of coronation. A joint communiqu้ will be issued at the closing ceremony at the United Nations Conference Center on May 10, followed by a candle-lit procession at Buddhamonthon, a Center of World Buddhism