Her Excellency Chavanart Thangsumphant, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand to India, paid an official visit to the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) on May 5, marking her maiden visit to both the Union Territory of Ladakh and the MIMC Devachan Campus.

Upon her arrival at the MIMC Sambodhi Yoga and Meditation Retreat Centre, the Ambassador was accorded a traditional welcome by members of the Devachan family led by Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena. She was hosted for breakfast before undertaking an extensive tour of the 250-acre Devachan Campus.

During the visit, Her Excellency toured several key institutions within the campus, including the MIMC Buddha Park for World Peace, the Maitri Geriatric Home, the MIMC Residential School, and the Karuna Charitable Hospital. The visit provided her with first-hand insight into the spiritual, educational, and humanitarian initiatives being undertaken by MIMC.

In his interaction with the Ambassador, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena highlighted the longstanding relationship between MIMC and the Thai Buddhist community. He recalled several important milestones in the partnership, including the participation of Thai cultural troupes in the International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh, the annual Pad Yatra undertaken by more than 200 Sangha members from Thailand from Dharamsala to Leh, and the observance of the Royal Kathina Ceremony, among other collaborations supported by successive Thai Ambassadors to India.

Her Excellency expressed appreciation for the efforts of Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena in promoting the teachings of Lord Buddha in Ladakh and across the world. She acknowledged the deep Buddhist connection between Ladakh and Thailand and conveyed her wholehearted support for further strengthening the enduring cultural and spiritual ties between the two regions.

The visit marks an important step towards deepening bilateral engagement through shared spiritual heritage and reinforcing the longstanding bond between the people of Ladakh and the Thai Buddhist community.