Temple Distributes 10 Tons of Premium Durian and Mangosteen to Aid Farmers
A Samut Songkhram temple distributed 10 tons of premium durian and mangosteen to thousands of attendees during a merit-making ceremony for its abbot's 65th birthday, with the donation also supporting local farmers during harvest season.
On July 16, 2025, Wat Pradu Royal Temple in Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram, held a merit-making ceremony marking the 65th birthday anniversary of Phra Ratchapavanavachirajarn, the abbot and provincial Buddhist leader. The morning featured monk alms offerings for 66 monks, fish releases, blood donation drives in cooperation with the Thai Red Cross, and education scholarships for Pali students and pupils from three local schools.
The event's highlight came when Ms. Phongpan Pathapi, 51, a cold storage business owner, and MPS Interfood company donated 10 tons of premium export-grade fruit — 5 tons of durian and 5 tons of mangosteen — for distribution to attendees. The generosity drew thousands of people from inside and outside the district, prompting the temple to issue queue cards for orderly distribution with assistance from temple staff, local officials, and Amphawa police.
Phongpan explained that her donation stemmed from deep respect for the abbot's spiritual merit, noting that he has always blessed her home and business endeavors, leading to continuous prosperity. Beyond honoring the abbot on his birthday, she said the gesture also supports local durian farmers during peak harvest season. The event exemplified both gratitude toward the respected religious leader and broader community values of charity, educational opportunity, and mutual aid.
