The relic, housed at Beijing’s Lingguang Temple, arrived in the Thai capital earlier in the day and was ceremoniously paraded through one of Bangkok’s oldest neighborhoods. Placed in an ornate golden container and surrounded by a bed of flowers, the relic was carried on a decorative float, accompanied by the chanting of monks and throngs of onlookers.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, members of her cabinet, and China’s ambassador to Thailand formally received the relic, reflecting the importance of the occasion. The event highlights the deep cultural ties between the two nations, with the Buddha’s tooth serving as a potent symbol of shared religious and historical values.

“This loan is a testament to the enduring friendship between our countries,” remarked a Thai government spokesperson. The relic was last displayed in Thailand in 2002, during celebrations for King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 75th birthday.

China has often employed the lending of sacred Buddhist relics as a form of soft diplomacy. While the origins of such relics have sometimes been contested, their display inspires deep reverence among Buddhists worldwide.

The relic will remain on public display in a specially prepared pavilion in Bangkok until mid-February, offering a unique spiritual and cultural experience for Thai citizens and international visitors alike.

Thailand also hosted a Buddha relic exhibition from India in February 2024. Four bone fragments of the Buddha, also known as the Kapilavastu Relics, kept in the National Museum, were taken to Thailand and displayed in four cities, including Bangkok and Krabi. An estimated one million visitors thronged the streets to pay homage to the relics during the exhibition.