Controversy over Dhammachakra Rattana flag at Wat Phra That Choeng Chu

MGR Online•Society•53m ago

Reader Briefing

The installation of a Dhammachakra Rattana flag at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Woramahawihan has sparked online criticism regarding its appropriateness.

•A Dhammachakra Rattana flag was installed at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Woramahawihan in Mueang District, Sakon Nakhon Province.
•Buddhists in the area questioned the flag's origin and appropriateness because its design differs from typical Dhammachakra flags.
•Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Woramahawihan clarified the installation is temporary.
•The ASEAN Cultural Promotion Council denied involvement in the flag's installation.

Overview

•A Dhammachakra Rattana flag was raised on a pole in front of Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Woramahawihan, a royal temple in Mueang District, Sakon Nakhon Province.
•The different design of the flag compared to standard Dhammachakra flags led to public questions regarding regulations and appropriateness in a major religious site.
•The ASEAN Cultural Promotion Council stated its mission is only to oversee the Buddha's relics at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Woramahawihan from September 11–30, 2026, and it is not involved with the flag.
•According to a document by Dr. Amorn and Mrs. Sunantha Boonchainichakul, the Dhammachakra Rattana flag was created on March 11, 2024, to symbolize the Lord Buddha and declare the Noble Eightfold Path over Thailand.
•Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Woramahawihan clarified that the Dhammachakra Rattana flag was installed as a temporary offering to Phra That Choeng Chum and will later be moved to other religious sites.
•The Director of the Sakon Nakhon Provincial Office of Buddhism stated that the office is currently in the process of discussing and verifying all facts.

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Key Entities

Place

Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Woramahawihan(วัดพระธาตุเชิงชุมวรมหาวิหาร)

A royal temple in Mueang District, Sakon Nakhon Province, where the Dhammachakra Rattana flag was installed.

Sakon Nakhon(สกลนคร)ℹ️

The province where Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Woramahawihan is located.

Organization

ASEAN Cultural Promotion Council(สภาส่งเสริมวัฒนธรรมอาเซียน)

An organization tasked with overseeing the Buddha's relics at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Woramahawihan from September 11–30, 2026.

Sakon Nakhon Provincial Office of Buddhism(สำนักงานพระพุทธศาสนาจังหวัดสกลนคร)

The provincial office currently verifying the facts regarding the flag installation.

Person

Dr. Amorn(ดร.อมร)

A co-author of the Dhammachakra Rattana book.

Mrs. Sunantha Boonchainichakul(คุณสุนันทา บุญชัยนิชกุล)

A co-author of the Dhammachakra Rattana book.