Karoon Kiratiwongboone

In December 2024, the Holy Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha from Beijing’s Lingguang Temple will travel to Thailand, a great milestone in the relations between the two countries, Thailand and China. This sacred relic will be temporarily placed for worship at Sanam Luang in Bangkok from December 4th, 2024, to February 14th, 2025. 

This noble event coincides with two special occasions. The 72nd birthday of His Majesty King Rama X and the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China.

The Buddha tooth relic is sacred for Buddhists around the world. Since 1949, it has been taken out for enshrinement on only six occasions. Its presence in Thailand provides the public with a rare chance to pay homage at a pavilion. Furthermore, the transfer of the relic symbolizes shared spiritual and cultural traditions between the two countries. 

The relic will be placed in the specially constructed pavilion at Sanam Luang. The pavilion, containing both Thai and Chinese architectural elements, was designed by Thailand’s Fine Arts Department as a symbol of cultural synthesis, integrating the two countries’ art and culture.

Its enshrinement is all the more significant as Thailand and China are set to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Diplomatic Ties in 2025. Leaders of the two countries have underlined the promotion of cultural exchange programs toward better relations. Such events, according to President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, are illustrative of the values and mutual respect that lie at the foundations of Thai-Chinese relations.

A more recent example of the two countries developing closer ties is cooperation on big projects, such as the under-construction China-Thai high-speed railway line, which will enhance connectivity and tighten relations with its regional neighbors.

While the railway aspires to connect geographic distances, the enshrinement of the Buddha tooth relic likewise acts as a cultural bridge. Its arrival will be marked by ceremonies and public viewings, and it will expand the space for cultural and religious dialogue. 

As Thailand and China mark this milestone in shared history, the enshrinement of the Buddha tooth relic serves to make a statement on the spiritual and cultural ties binding the two nations. The relic will be enshrined at Sanam Luang for more than two months, giving the public ample opportunity to pay homage.