Light and sound show to attract youth to religion

By Ampa Santimetaneedol, Bangkok Post, May 9, 2005

Bangkok, Thailand -- This year's Visakha Bucha Day celebrations to be held later this month at Buddha Monthon in Nakhon Pathom, will focus on the essence of dhamma rather than ritual and feature theatres and light and sound performances aimed at attracting youth towards religion.

Tablet at Buddhist monastery in Geylang East to remember late Dr Wee

By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia, May 9, 2005

Singapore -- While the late former President Wee Kim Wee's funeral may be over, many still continue to remember him and pay their respects in various ways. After his death on Monday, a tablet bearing his name, dates of birth and death has been put up at a Buddhist monastery.

Crooning monk defrocked

AP, May 7, 2005

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia -- A Buddhist abbot accused of singing karaoke and wearing normal street clothes in southeastern Cambodia has been defrocked, a newspaper reported yesterday.

Thai PM to act as presenter for Visakabucha celebrations

TNA, May 4, 2005

BANGKOK, Thailand -- Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is to demonstrate his Buddhist credentials when he leads the nation in religious worship to mark this year?s Visakabucha Day on 22 May.

World Buddhism event falls apart

by AMPA SANTIMATANEDOL & NAUVARAT SUKSAMRAN, Bangkok Post, April 23, 2005

Unity crumbles as row forces venue split

Bangkok, Thailand -- The proposed World Visakha Bucha celebration is unlikely to materialise after irreconcilable differences between the Sangha Council and the elements it characterised as Buddhist pariahs forced a split of celebration venues, dealing the government a humiliating blow.

Monks spread word on AIDS

by Chan Kit Tze, The Star, April 17, 2005

Monks in Cambodia are providing care and support for Cambodia?s AIDS orphans, writes CHAN KIT SZE who visited the Thmey Pagoda Salvation Centre in Siem Reap recently.

Siem Reap, Cambodia -- TRADITIONAL Cambodian music greeted us as we entered the shrine hall of Thmey Pagoda in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The musicians were seven to nine-year-old boys sitting at the far left of the hall, intently playing traditional Cambodian musical instruments. Later, we found out that it was the children's first public performance.

Indonesia Buddhist To Sue Blora Center on Tsunami Aid Smuggling Accusation

Indonesia Relief, April 13, 2005

Jakarta, Indonesia -- Indonesian Buddhist association, Walubi, will sue Blora Center for accusing the organization responsible for 381 container of tsunami aid currently take into custody in Belawan port, Medan. Walubi said that the containers were not being smuggled, as those are real tsunami donation from government of China.

Burmese mark fest with water fights at temple

By EMMELINE TAN, The Star, April 14, 2005

PENANG, Malaysia -- The grounds of a temple in Burma Lane here became the scene of ?water fights? as the locals joined the Burmese community to celebrate the Thingyan Water Festival.

Thai Premier backs Santi Asoke sect's inclusion

by AMPA SANTIMATANEDOL, Bangkok Post, April 13, 2005

Bangkok, Thailand -- Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra wants all Buddhist groups, including the unorthodox Santi Asoke sect, to join next month's religious ceremonies marking Visakha Bucha Day at Buddha Monthon in Nakhon Pathom province.

Santi Asoke not welcome on panel

by AMPA SANTIMATANEDOL YUWADEE TUNYASIRI, Bangkok Post, April 12, 2005

Bangkok, Thailand -- The Sangha Council is adamant it will not allow a senior member of the unorthodox Santi Asoke Buddhist sect to sit on the organising panel for religious ceremonies to mark Visakha Bucha Day next month.