Community praying for more good in their area
TUMPAT: The Siamese community living near the largest “sleeping Buddha” at Wat Phothivihan here is praying for more development in the area.
Not taken in by the debate on national issues, the community wants more infrastructure such as roads and schools to be built.
The temple has the biggest statue of the reclining Buddha in South-East Asia, measuring 40m long, 11m high and nine metres wide.
It is located in Kampung Jambu, Tumpat, just 20 minutes from Kota Baru.
Shop owner Chong Ah San said the community had been living in peace with others and wanted the authorities to make improvements.
“The temple is always busy during the school holidays. Sometimes we see about 10% more visitors during this time but we want the roads to be repaired so that more people
will come,” he said.
Chong, 42, is among the more than 2,500 people of Siamese origin living in the area.
Ehmien, 40, who has four children, said the Siamese here still celebrate the annual Songkhran Festival and Loi Krathong.
“All of us will come out to the temple and pray. We will celebrate together as it is a big occasion for us,” he said.
Ehmien, who is from Kampung Terbok, said he wanted the see more schools for the younger generation.
“Our community is growing and we hope for more schools for all,” he said.
Anan, 36, a mechanic, said it will be better if clean water can be supplied to the rural areas.
Our community is growing and we hope for more schools for all. Ehmien