Bangkok, Thailand — His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua (Rama X) has graciously presented saplings of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree to all 77 provinces of Thailand. This historic gesture is set to take place on Visakha Puja Day 2025, a deeply revered Buddhist holiday that celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Lord Buddha.
Royal Bodhi Saplings Named and Timed for Auspicious Ceremony
The Bodhi saplings, bestowed with the royal name “Phra Sri Maha Bodhi Thotsama Ratchabophit”, will be planted simultaneously at 09:29 AM on Sunday, 11 May 2025 — a time specifically chosen and granted by His Majesty the King for its auspicious significance.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the saplings will be planted in a variety of meaningful locations:
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43 Buddhist temples
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23 interfaith or religious centers
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9 public parks
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2 town halls
In Bangkok, the primary tree planting ceremony will be held at Lumphini Park, in the Pathum Wan District, welcoming public participation from all faiths and backgrounds.
The Sacred Significance of the Bodhi Tree
The Sri Maha Bodhi tree holds profound spiritual importance in Buddhism. It was beneath a Bodhi tree that Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, becoming the Buddha over 2,500 years ago in Bodh Gaya, India. As a living symbol of wisdom, peace, and awakening, the Bodhi tree represents the Buddha’s journey to spiritual liberation.
Many saplings of the original tree have been propagated and venerated across Asia. By planting these sacred saplings nationwide, Thailand reinforces its deep-rooted Buddhist heritage and invites citizens to reflect on the path to inner peace and compassion.
His Majesty to Lead by Example at Dusit Palace
Marking the sanctity of the day, His Majesty the King will personally plant a sapling, named “Phra Sri Maha Bodhiyalongkorn,” at Ambara Villa, Dusit Palace. This symbolic act underscores His Majesty’s commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage and promoting environmental awareness throughout the nation.
“Dhamma Nawa Wang” Video to Be Presented Nationwide
To enhance the spiritual resonance of the ceremony, His Majesty has also prepared a special video titled “Dhamma Nawa Wang,” which will be screened during the planting ceremonies in every province. The presentation is intended to inspire unity, reflection, and deeper understanding of Buddhist principles among all attendees.
Visakha Puja Day and National Arbor Day Celebrated Together
Visakha Puja Day, which falls on the full moon of the sixth lunar month, is considered the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar. It commemorates three pivotal events in the life of the Buddha—his birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana—all of which occurred on the same calendar day, albeit in different years.
In Thailand, National Arbor Day is also observed in conjunction with Visakha Puja, highlighting the dual significance of spiritual growth and environmental stewardship.
A National Call to Unity, Faith, and Conservation
This royal initiative reflects the deep intertwining of Thai tradition, Buddhist values, and ecological responsibility. It calls upon all Thai citizens and expats to participate not only in honoring the Buddha’s legacy but also in nurturing the natural world — planting seeds of peace, sustainability, and national unity.