No.04 - 03/2006
03 March 2006

Human right/Culture

Shans in Thailand to celebrate 90th anniversary of temple

Reporter: Phu Murng

On 11-12 March, Shans in Chiang Rai are observing the 90th anniversary of Sanpakaw temple and celebrate a new building to be dedicated to the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's ascension to the throne, according to the abbot Phra Athikarn Pandhita.

“HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the longest reigning monarch, so we are very proud to dedicate the building to him,” he said. Many senior monks in Chiang Rai province will attend the ceremony and the lord mayor will preside over the opening ceremony. “We fled from our homeland and resettled in Thailand and since then we have been able to live peacefully. We should therefore be thankful to His Majesty,” said Ranaphee Saenkhamkorn, an organizer of the celebration.

Phra Athikarn Pandhita

According to Ranaphee, the Shan singers in Maesai are scheduled to perform there, where many traditional Shan dances like Kaliao (sword dance), Ka Nok (bird dance) and Katoe (yak dance) will also be featured. “Everyone is welcome to participate and to make merit with us,” he added

On 6th of March, he will broadcast about the celebration and Shan culture on Thai TV Channel 11, Moom Mawng Murng Nuer (Viewpoint of the North) programme in the morning for 15 minutes.

The celebration will also be broadcast on-air on popular Shan radio, Nang Chusri Program which can reach the audiences in Shan State. 

Sanpakaw temple is located nearby the old Chiang Rai airport, Sanpakaw village, Ropwieng tract, Muang district, Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand.

The temple was built in 90 years ago by Shans who had moved to Thailand during the reign of King Chulalongkorn or Rama V. They were from many different parts of Shan State such Pangyang, Mongnai, Mongnawng and Kengtung.

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