The temple in Pathum Thani’s Klong Luang district opened its seventh gate to welcome throngs of disciples who wished to attend the grand merit-making event, but members of the media were not allowed to enter the compound.

Spokesman for Dhammakaya followers, Ong-art Thamnita, said that as the United Nations had declared April 22 as Earth Day for promotion of peace and sustainability of the planet, Buddhist organisations observed it as the “Dhamma Protecting Earth” day to host merit-making and meditation to bring about world peace.

He said the temple hosted morning alms offering to internal monks followed by a robe-offering rite to raise funds for temple maintenance.