Faith, merit and community support: keeping the canal-side Buddhist way of life alive
The Samut Prakan Provincial Cultural Office, together with Wat Pan Prasit Aram, organised the project "Visit the Temple and Practise Dharma on Buddhist Observance Day: Faith, Merit and Community Support". Its highlight was the tradition of offering alms to monks by boat, a distinctive custom of the communities along Samut Prakan's waterways.
The ceremony took place on Saturday, 23 August 2025 at 7:00 am at Wat Pan Prasit Aram, Khlong Dan Subdistrict, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province. Phra Khru Sophon Suttathan, Abbot of Wat Pan Prasit Aram, presided for the Sangha, and Mr. Somsak Kaewsena, Deputy Governor of Samut Prakan, presided for the laity.
Alms were offered to the monks by boat in a beautiful scene reflecting the traditional life of the canal communities, together with chanting, evening devotions and shared Dharma practice, to uphold Buddhism and strengthen the community.
The event was also honoured by the presence of Ms. Chanyarak Sathitkit of the Samut Prakan Tourism and Sports Office, Mr. Somporn Kuasakul of the Samut Prakan Fisheries Office, government representatives, the Samut Prakan Red Cross volunteers, and more than 200 Buddhists.
This tradition is not only about making merit and practising Dharma; it also supports the local community, circulating income in the area and building unity among its people.
The atmosphere was peaceful and full of faith. The sight of monks collecting alms, reflected in the water, was beautiful and moving, a cultural heritage well worth preserving.
