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The year 2549 B.E. was a very auspicious year in which the King
of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, celebrated his 60th year as Thai
monarch. Those who retired from government service on 1st October 2542
B.E. were ready to devote themselves to developing the community
according to the King’s ‘Sufficient Economy’ programme in order to thank
the King and established the Wattanatum Haeng Sai Nam Association of
Ubon Ratchathani.
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In 2550 B.E. the King celebrated his 80th birthday and the
Wattanatum Haeng Sai Nam Association of Ubon Ratchathani made a study of
the history of Ubon Ratchathani and found: |
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The motto of Ubon Ratchathani is ‘city of beautiful lotus
flowers, which has two differently-coloured rivers, delicious fish,
beaches and rapids, many knowledgeable people, kind citizens, beautiful
candles and prehistoric Pha Taem’. |
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From books and from what many knowledgeable people
say, Ubon Ratchathani has three major elements which make it a ‘City of
Philosophers’, which are: |
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1) Ubon Ratchathani has many different types of art
which have been passed down through many generations, and they are all
well-accepted both in Thailand and abroad, e.g. the Ubon Ratchathani
Candle Festival which is a festival that has taken place and been
developed over a very long period of time.
2) Ubon Ratchathani is a centre of religion and beliefs – a place of
religious studies and the carrying out of religious ceremonies and
duties. In the past, the centre of education, religion and culture was
the temple, which arranged education for the community.
3) There are many rivers in Ubon Ratchathani, including the Moon River
and Chi River, which add to the perfection of the province. Ubon
Ratchathani is a trading centre both on land and water which has lead to
prosperity in its arts including a peaceful society. |
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In 2551 B.E., the Wattanatum Haeng Sai Nam
Association of Ubon Ratchathani presented the results of its study to
Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University. In order to carry out the study
methodically, it was divided into two parts: |
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1) An investigation of the history of Ubon Ratchathani by Ubon
Ratchathani Rajabhat University.
2) A continuation of the ideologies of Ubon Ratchathani. |
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The continuation of the ideologies is still taking place, especially
with regard to religion. There are many famous monks from both Ubon
Ratchathani province as well as other provinces that study here and
disseminate the religion widely amongst the communities. |
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These monks will get together to create a memorial for the country and
for our children and grandchildren. The construction of the memorial
will no doubt be difficult after taking into consideration resources,
readiness, appropriateness, etc., but it was agreed that a beginning
would be made with the Luang Phu Mun Pooritatdoh Buddhist Park after
which it will be further expanded. The construction would take place at
Phu Jan Daeng, Tambon Songyang, Sri Muang Mai District, Ubon Ratchathani
province with the following objectives in mind: |
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1) For the continuation of the Buddhist religion.
2) As a centre for the dissemination of Buddhism
3) As a religious centre that can cater for the needs of all both within
the country and from abroad. |
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Article by : Asst. Prof. Arkom Wamaloon |
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Translator by : Mr. Peter
Gadd |
