Joining in prayer for protection from disasters and sending compassion and goodwill to those affected by natural calamities
On October 10, 2026 (B.E. 2569) at 9:00 a.m., at Nong Nooch Pattaya (Nong Nooch Tropical Garden), Chonburi Province, Mr. Kampon Tansacha, Chairman of Nong Nooch Pattaya, together with the executive team, presided over a ceremony to change 9 prayer flags. The ceremony continues the Buddhist beliefs of the Himalayan region, including Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan, and offers prayers for people to be safe from harm, while sending goodwill to those affected by natural disasters.
Phrakhru Kasemkit Sophon and a total of 9 monks officiated the ceremony, anointing the 9 prayer flags with powder, applying gold leaf, and sprinkling them with holy water for auspiciousness according to tradition. Members of the executive team attended the ceremony.
Mr. Kampon spoke about the significance of the ceremony: “At a time when many areas are facing natural disasters, what matters most is the care and encouragement we give one another. Natural disasters are something everyone must be aware of and prepared to face. Nong Nooch Pattaya places importance on planning its drainage system in harmony with nature and landscaping, alongside looking after tourist safety. At the same time, today’s changing of the prayer flags is not only a continuation of culture and belief, but also an opportunity for us to pray together that everyone is safe from harm, that those in hardship pass through the crisis soon, and that every family enjoys happiness and safety.”
Prayer flags are pieces of cloth inscribed with prayers and auspicious words according to the beliefs of Buddhists in the Himalayan region. It is believed that when the wind passes over the flags, it carries the prayers, compassion and goodwill to all living beings. The prayer flags are therefore not merely a religious symbol, but also reflect the ideas of peace and living together in mutual support.
The prayer flags also consist of five principal colors, which some traditions associate with natural elements: blue for water, white for metal, red for fire, green for wood, and yellow for earth, reflecting the relationships and balance of nature. The meanings of the colors and elements may vary according to the traditions and beliefs of each locality.
This prayer flag changing ceremony is thus both a continuation of the culture of faith and an expression of care for people facing hardship from natural disasters, through joint prayers for the safety of all lives and for getting through difficult times. It also reflects Nong Nooch Pattaya’s emphasis on preserving culture, caring for nature, and preparing for changing weather conditions.
