In remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Late King of Thailand. The Thai communities in South Africa held a merit making ceremony, a Monk and Novice Ordination to express their Deep gratitude to his Majesty.
The ceremony was held on Sunday, 1st October 2017 at Wat Phra Dhammakaya Johannesburg, along with IDOP staff, the South African Buddhist Association and Thai Buddhist Club.
The honorary Phra Khun Vithet Thummaporn, the assistant abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, Thailand was the preceptor of the ordination ceremony.
There were 26 African monks and novices and approximately 150 participants.
Consequently, it was reported as the largest ordination ceremony in the South African Buddhist History.
