On 22 April 2018, Ambassador Maris Sangiampongsa along with his family and the Embassy’s officials and staff attended the Songkran, or the traditional Thai New Year, event organized by Ratchathamviriyaram 1 Buddhist Temple and the Thai community in Ottawa.  The event was filled with several activities such as alms and Dana offering to the Bhikkhus, water pouring onto the Buddha images, paying respect to the elders, a Songkran beauty pageant, and a Bai Sri Su Kwan, or a traditional welcoming ceremony, to welcome the newly arrived Ambassador and his family to Canada.

 

On this occasion, Ambassador Maris took the opportunity to greet the Thai communities and express his appreciation for the warm welcome extended to him and his family. The Ambassador emphasized that he and the Embassy are here to serve and assist all the Thai people in Canada and hope that the Embassy and the communities are able to work harmoniously together by supporting one another for the benefit of the country.