The representatives of the overseas Vietnamese and Buddhist community in Thailand are in Vietnam to attend a programme designed specifically for overseas Vietnamese Buddhist dignitaries and followers – the first of its kind held by the Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs - from March 25-30.

President Trần Đại Quang noted that a majority of the population of both Vietnam and Thailand practise Buddhism. He emphasised that the similarities in culture, religion and belief between the two countries are the foundation for them to further strengthen their friendship and cooperation.

The State leader praised the role of the Buddhist An Nam Tong sect in promoting community solidarity and connecting the Vietnamese community with the Thai authorities and people. 

“The system of Buddhist temples and cultural facilities of Vietnamese in Thailand both meet the spiritual and religious needs of the overseas Vietnamese and strengthen community solidarity and their bonds with the host country, while help preserve the national identity and educate the young overseas Vietnamese on their roots,” he said.  

He affirmed the Vietnamese Party and State always consider the Vietnamese community abroad an integral part of the nation and create all favourable conditions for them to stabilise their lives in the host country.

The State leader requested the Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (OV) Affairs to pay more attention to making policies supporting overseas Vietnamese.

He also took the occasion to call on the Thai Government and Buddhist Sangha to continue facilitating the popularisation of the Vietnamese culture in the country.

Annam Kiya Buddhists and overseas Vietnamese take photo together (Photo: VNA)

Later, Most Venerable Thích Kính Chiếu, head monk at Pho Phuoc pagoda, who led a visiting delegation of 50 Annam Kiya Buddhists and overseas Vietnamese in Thailand, made the remark at a meeting with President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyễn Thiện Nhân in Hanoi on March 27.

The monk said the 21 Vietnamese pagodas were built in eight cities and provinces across Thailand, receiving due attention from Thai kings.

Apart from ritual and spiritual activities, the pagodas also open classes to teach Vietnamese for expatriates, he added.

Eight pagodas have been attached with the plates bearing Vietnamese names, which aims to introduce visitors the origin of the pagodas as well as the Vietnamese cultural vitality in Thailand, he noted.

The pagodas also help strengthen the solidarity of the Vietnamese community in Thailand, which now numbers 100,000, and educate young generations about the national unique culture, he said.

Nhân expressed his pleasure to receive the delegation and recognised the Buddhists’ significant contributions to developing the Vietnamese Buddhism over the past 200 years in Thailand.

The head monks at 21 Vietnamese pagodas in Thailand are the symbol of connection between the two countries, he said, hoping that all the pagodas will bear Vietnamese names.

 On the same day, the delegation visited the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the Thai Embassy in Vietnam.

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