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Published on December 28, 2007

Religious Affairs Department chief Sod Daeng-ied said yesterday Buddhist families could pray, meditate, receive Buddhist monks' blessings and hit an auspicious gong to welcome the New Year at 25 Bangkok temples or upcountry temples participating in the scheme.

The Bangkok temples included Wat Ratchathiwat, Wat Chanasongkhram, Wat Trimitr Wittayaram, Wat Pak Nam, Wat Thep Lila, Wat Yannawa, Wat Thepsirin and Wat Phrasrimahathat.

Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sriaroon also urged Thai youths to give food offerings to Buddhist monks and make merit for their ancestors or deceased relatives on the morning of January 1 and to worship Lord Buddha's image and release birds or fish at a temple.

She also encouraged them to participate in prayers and a sermon at a temple in the evening. The Nation