Turn Recyclable Waste into Merit at Wat Thong, Charansanitwong 46

In celebration of the month of love and Makha Bucha Day, Sumitomo Mitsui Auto Leasing & Service (Thailand) Co., Ltd. invited employees to participate in a waste segregation activity. Employees were encouraged to separate recyclable waste, clean it, and donate it on February 21, 2025, to the "Rak Lok" Fund as part of the Project for the Temple’s Restoration. This initiative transforms waste into merit by supporting the renovation of Wat Thong’s historic ordination hall.

Wat Thong is an ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya period, located in Charansanitwong 46, Bang Phlat District. It was officially registered as a national historic site in the Royal Gazette on August 16, 1977. Currently, the temple's ordination hall is in disrepair—its roof leaks during rainfall, the decorative elements on the gable and window frames are deteriorating, and moisture has caused the ancient wall paintings to peel. Therefore, restoration is essential to strengthen and preserve the structure for religious ceremonies and to maintain the temple’s cultural and historical significance.

Moreover, Wat Thong serves as a comprehensive community waste management center, sorting all types of waste and accepting recyclables from individuals and organizations. The temple also holds a "Recyclable Waste Kathin" ceremony on the last week of each month, where donations of recyclable materials are transformed into funds for restoration efforts.

Today's recyclable waste donated to Wat Thong included plastic bottles, glass bottles, aluminum cans, and stretchy plastic. All collected recyclables will be converted into contributions to renovate the ordination hall, ensuring this historic temple remains a valuable heritage site for future generations.