Thousands of Thai mourners are expected to visit the Buddhapadipa Temple in Wimbledon this week following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej last Thursday.
King Bhumibol, the world’s longest-serving monarch of 70 years, died on Thursday, October, 13 at the age of 88 after years of ill health.
Last week the temple was flying its flag at half mast, as the government declared a year of official mourning.
Buddhapadipa Temple is the first Thai Buddhist temple to be opened in the UK, and is nestled in Calonne Road, near Wimbledon Common.
The temple is running services in memory of His Majesty King Bhumibol of Thailand from October 14-20.
Phramaha Bhatsakorn Plyobhaso, a senior monk of 10 years at Buddhapadipa Temple, said: “The Thai King is highly venerated by the Thai community because he has been serving the nation for 70 years and he was crowned when he was only 19 years old.
“For those younger than 60, the King for them is a very important figure and very important person for the country, we regard him as the father, the father of the nation.
“It is normal for people to feel grief and sad and sorrow and many people cry. We can give them moral support.
“We have to learn from what happened and one day we too will die, so this is from the Buddhist teaching. It is OK to cry, to feel sad but you shouldn’t maintain sorrow and sadness forever.”
Each day from 9:30am to 6:00pm the main temple is open for the public to pay respect to His Majesty, with a book of condolence for the public to sign.
From 11am to 12pm is the offering of lunch to the Sangha of Monks and the service in memory of King Bhumibol will begin daily at 7.00pm and close at 8:30pm.
The service will include the chairman lighting candles and incense sticks as a gesture to pay respect to His Majesty, requesting five precepts, chapter of four Buddhist monks perform Abhidhamma Chanting, offering a set of robes and gifts to Venerable Monks and pouring water of dedication to transfer merit to His Majesty.
On October 20 there will be a special service in the morning rather than the evening to commemorate the seventh day of the King’s passing.
All Thai communities, neighbours and general public are welcome to join in the service in the memory of His Majesty King Bhumibol.
The community can also show its support to the Buddhapadipa Temple on Sunday, November, 13 when it will hold the important Buddhist Kathina Robe Presenting ceremony and the Loykratong festival, also known as the festival of flowers.
“On that day there will be food stalls selling Thai food and not very expensive so it is a good opportunity for local people to come and see Thai culture and to try Thai food. We expect about 5,000 to 6,000 people on the day,” said PM Bhatsakorn Plyobhaso.
Proceeds from this day will go towards funds for the repair of the main temple roof.
