Bangkok / Thailand : 31 July 2025 – In a deeply moving ceremony held at the Issarawinitchai Throne Hall, National Museum Bangkok, the Government of Pakistan presented a meticulously crafted replica of the revered Fasting Buddha to the Kingdom of Thailand ; a profound gesture of spiritual kinship and cultural diplomacy.
Her Excellency Ambassador Rukhsana Afzaal handed over the replica to Mr. Phanombootra Chandrajoti, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, in the presence of distinguished Ambassadors, Thai dignitaries, guests including Most Venerable Mr. Anil Sakya.
The sculpture, crafted in black fiber by acclaimed Pakistani artist Mr. Jamil Kakar, embodies the rare and powerful moment of Siddhartha Gautama’s self-mortification before enlightenment; a visual narrative from the Gandhara Civilization in present-day Pakistan, where East met West in Buddhist art.
On this occasion, Ambassador Rukhsana Afzaal emphasized Pakistan’s deep-rooted Gandharan legacy and its significance in fostering spiritual connections, religious tourism, and ASEAN-wide cultural ties.
Most Venerable Anil Sakya noted that while unfamiliar in traditional Thai iconography, the Fasting Buddha’s profound message of inner balance and human perseverance resonates deeply within the Thai Theravada tradition.
This handover marks not only a celebration of Gandharan heritage but also the continuation of a centuries-old connection between Thailand and Gandhara through shared faith, stories, and artistic expression.
The event, titled “A Spiritual Journey from Gandhara to ASEAN: Celebrating Shared Heritage and Religious Tourism”, featured remarks, symbolic handover, talks by experts, and a stunning photo exhibition by Mr. David Chi Lau.
The replica will now reside at the National Museum as a cultural bridge, inviting scholars, students, and pilgrims from across ASEAN to rediscover the ancient wisdom, resilience, and middle path embodied by the Fasting Buddha.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka Ms Wijayanthi Edirisinghe also attended the event.
