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 declared April 22 as the 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 mediation 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.

The temple earlier this year was subject to an Article 44-backed junta order that declared its compound and nearby area as a controlled zone to make way for a Department of Special Investigation-led operation to search for Phra Dhammachayo.

The monk is wanted over money-laundering and ill-gotten gain charges linked to a high-profile embezzlement case as well as several other forestland encroachment cases.

As he was not found in the temple or anywhere else, the operation eventually ended.