On July 26, 2026, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, presided over a historic merit-making ceremony featuring alms-giving by boat at Pom Mahakan Public Park in Phra Nakhon District. Organized under the royal initiative project “The River of Life Under His Majesty’s Benevolence: Continuing the Rattanakosin Tradition”, the event paid tribute to His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of his 74th Birthday on July 28, 2026. The weeklong celebration, held from July 24 to 31, 2026, gathered key dignitaries including Prime Minister’s Advisor Auttapol Rerkpiboon, representatives from government, private, and civil sectors, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and thousands of citizens. Marking a monumental milestone in Rattanakosin’s 240-year history, the spiritual gathering brought together public devotion as 225 Buddhist monks navigated three historical canal routes, namely Rattanakosin Island Canal, Saen Saep Canal, and Prem Prachakorn Canal, profoundly reflecting the timeless connection between riverside livelihoods, Buddhism, and the Thai monarchy.
Beyond preserving cultural heritage, the event exemplified His Majesty’s royal vision for sustainable water management, environmental conservation, and urban regeneration powered by green energy and innovation. Through canal restoration and systematic urban renewal, the initiative directly improves public well-being, particularly for vulnerable and homeless populations around the Khlong Lot Ratchanadda area, by facilitating better access to essential healthcare and social welfare services. In addition to showcasing exhibitions on royal projects to deepen public appreciation of the King’s benevolent contributions, the organizing committee distributed 10,000 bottles of holy water, blessed by the Supreme Patriarch, senior prelates, and abbots from 40 riverside temples to participants as an auspicious blessing. For further details on activity locations, travel routes, and schedules, the public can follow updates on the official Facebook pages of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (www.facebook.com/bangkokbma) and the Public Relations Department (www.facebook.com/prdofficial).
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