Join Koh Samui Municipality for a heartfelt 50th Day Merit-Making Ceremony (“Panyasomwan”) honoring Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, at Wat Sawang Arom on December 12, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. onwards.
Dress in formal black attire to show respect and unity as we remember her incredible legacy.
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Invitation to the Public
Koh Samui Municipality is inviting members of the public to attend a traditional merit-making ceremony, known as “Panyasomwan,” dedicated to the memory of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. The event will take place at Wat Sawang Arom, Bo Phut Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province, on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. onwards. This gathering marks a significant moment in Thai tradition, reflecting both religious observance and national unity.
Dress Code and Attire Guidelines
Participation in the ceremony requires attendees to adhere to a respectful dress code. Government officials are expected to wear white formal uniforms accompanied by a mourning armband, a symbol of respect and remembrance. Members of the general public are requested to dress in formal black attire suitable for mourning, in accordance with customs that emphasize humility and reflection during such commemorative events.
Understanding “Panyasomwan” Merit-Making
Merit-making, referred to in Thai as “Panyasomwan,” is a deeply rooted practice in Thai culture and Buddhism. The ceremony marks the conclusion of a specific posthumous period – often on the 7th, 50th, or 100th day – following someone’s passing. In the case of this event, the 50th day is particularly significant. Thai tradition holds that making merit on this day generates spiritual benefit dedicated to the soul of the deceased, aiding their journey to a better realm or state of existence. This act of merit is performed through collective offerings, prayers, and acts of charity, signifying ongoing bonds between the living and the departed.
Historical and Cultural Context
The custom of holding ceremonies such as “Panyasomwan” has its origins in Buddhist and local beliefs, interwoven into national expressions of loyalty and respect – especially when commemorating members of the royal family. For Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, this ceremony serves not only as an offering of merit but also as a public demonstration of national unity and collective remembrance. The ritual provides an avenue for mourners to express their gratitude for Her Majesty’s lifelong dedication to the people and to the institution of the monarchy.
Conduct of the Ceremony
The “Panyasomwan” ceremony typically involves a sequence of religious and communal activities. Monks are invited to perform chanting and prayers, followed by the offering of food, robe sets, and other requisites to the monastic community. Participants may also engage in almsgiving and join in recitation of Buddhist scriptures. These practices are designed to accrue spiritual merit, which is then solemnly dedicated to the memory of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother.
Community Participation and Expressions of Loyalty
Events like these not only reflect personal mourning but also create a shared space for national and local communities to come together. In Koh Samui, the municipality emphasizes the phrase “Koh Samui, Always Loyal,” encouraging residents and visitors alike to join the merit-making ceremony in a spirit of unity and remembrance. The gathering reinforces both the expression of collective grief and the reaffirmation of values central to Thai society: reverence, gratitude, and respect for the monarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the 50th Day Merit-Making Ceremony (Panyasomwan) for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother?
The ceremony commemorates the 50th day after the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. It is a traditional Thai merit-making event believed to generate spiritual benefit for the departed soul and serves as a public expression of unity, loyalty, and gratitude for Her Majesty’s lifelong dedication to the people and the monarchy.
What should attendees wear to the ceremony at Wat Sawang Arom on December 12, 2025?
Attendees are requested to dress in formal black attire appropriate for mourning. Government officials should wear white formal uniforms with a mourning armband as a sign of respect, while the general public should dress in respectful black clothing, in accordance with Thai customs for commemorative and religious events.
What activities will take place during the merit-making ceremony?
The ceremony will include chanting and prayer led by monks, offerings of food and requisites to the monastic community, almsgiving, and recitation of Buddhist scriptures. These practices are meant to accrue spiritual merit dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, while fostering a sense of national unity and reflection within the community.
