Phuket offerings, blessings mark New Year 2014

PHUKET: About 1,000 people gathered at Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket Town this morning to join a mass alms-giving ceremony to bring good luck for the new year.

All three Phuket Vice Governors attended the 7am ceremony in front of Queen Sirikit Park (map here), as did the Phuket City Mayor and other officials.

After dry food offerings were presented to 199 monks from temples all over Phuket, the Deputy Abbot at Wat Wichit Sangkaram temple (map here) led the New Year blessings.

“The first blessing is for forgiveness and to always wish others happiness,” said Deputy Abbot Phra Kru Phrakhun Sutthakij.

“If you keep good thoughts in mind, you will be well-intentioned, which will make you happy and well-loved,” he said.

“The second blessing is for wisdom. Think before you act.

“The third blessing is for self-control. Practice self-control with everything, including refraining from gossiping,” he said.

“Finally, I wish everyone happiness. May you be protected by the things you place your faith in. May your lives be filled with happiness, good health, wisdom and wealth all year long and ever after,” he added.

Vice Governor Sommai also offered a blessing.

“May all your dreams come true. I wish you good health, a loving family and that you achieve your lifelong goals,” she said.

Tonight at 7pm, Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut will join the Phuket Annual Red Cross Fair at Saphan Hin to hand out lucky draw prizes to people who bought tickets from the Red Cross (story here).

— Kritsada Mueanhawong