The Safe and Creative Media Development Fund organized the 2nd Annual Buddhist Media for Peace Festival, "Good Dharma Media," exploring the world of Buddhism both online and on-site with a Walk Rally themed "Dharma...Guides the Mind, Media...Guides the Heart," empowering children and youth to be media literate and resilient through Buddhist teachings.
(December 13, 2566) His Eminence Somdej Phra Maha Theeracharn, member of the Supreme Sangha Council and Abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkalaram Ratchaworamahavihara (Wat Pho), graciously presided over the opening ceremony of the 2nd Annual Buddhist Media for Peacebuilding Festival, themed “Good Media and Dharma.” Deputy Prime Minister Panpree Pahithanukorn, Chairman of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund, delegated Mr. Sermsak Pongpanich, Minister of Culture and Vice Chairman of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund, to preside over the lay ceremony. Also in attendance were Dr. Yupa Thawiwattanakitbavorn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Chair of the Sub-Committee for the Administration of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund; Dr. Thanakorn Srisukhsai, Manager of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund; representatives from Buddhist networks; distinguished guests; and members of the media. The event took place at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkalaram Ratchaworamahavihara (Wat Pho).
Mr. Sermsak Phongpanich The Minister of Culture and Vice Chairman of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund stated that the Fund prioritizes promoting the institutions of nation, religion, and monarchy. Parents and families serve as the foundation for nurturing and instilling good values in children and youth. Family, educational institutions, and religious teachings are crucial sources of learning that cultivate good character, morality, ethics, and the preservation of Thailand's rich cultural heritage. This event, the 2nd Annual Buddhist Media for Peace Festival, themed "Good Dharma Media," to be held from December 13-14, 2566, aims to produce and compile various media related to Buddhism. The event will allow everyone to explore the world of Buddhism, easily access Dharma, and apply Buddhist principles to their daily lives. It also serves as a valuable resource on Buddhist teachings, particularly beneficial to children and youth.
Buddhists interested in studying and accessing quality Buddhist media, both domestically and internationally, should be encouraged to expand communication channels and create platforms for exchanging knowledge on important aspects of Buddhist media. This will inspire media producers and target groups to strive for producing safe and creative media, both online and offline. The teachings of Buddhism can empower children and youth to be media-literate, aware, and use media constructively. These young people will be a vital force in driving and developing the nation in the future, Mr. Sermsak stated.
Following the success of the first "Buddhist Dharma and Media for Peace" festival, which saw over 1,200 participants at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkalaram Ratchaworamahawihan (Wat Pho) and over 63,000 views of the virtual exhibition online from both Thailand and abroad, the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund is organizing the second event this year, titled "The Second Buddhist Dharma and Media for Peace Festival: Media of Goodness," where "Dharma" refers to Buddhist teachings. The event will be held in two formats.
Format 1: On-Ground Event, held on Wednesday, December 13th and Thursday, December 14th, 2566, at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkalaram Ratchaworamahawihan (Wat Pho). The event included various activities such as a "Dharma...Guiding the Mind, Media...Guiding the Heart" Walk Rally, and seminars on "Sermon Talk" on the topics of "Happiness through Dharma" and "Good Dharma Media," featuring invited speakers and artists with extensive knowledge and understanding of Buddhism, including Phra Suthiwachirapatiphan, Assistant Abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkalaram; Phra Thep Wachirachan, Assistant Abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkalaram; Ms. Ornuma Kasetphuechphol, media representative; Ms. Wani Inphut; and Mr. Ploen Phromdaen, National Artist in Performing Arts, Thai Country Music (2555). This year also provided a platform for children and youth to showcase their creative knowledge and abilities in Buddhism. A short video contest titled "I Learn Dhamma" was organized on the theme of "Offering Buddhist teachings in Daily Life," with total prize money exceeding 50,000 baht. All winning entries will be showcased in a virtual exhibition.
Format 2: Virtual Exhibition (Online Event) which serves as a collection of Buddhist media to disseminate Dharma to people both domestically and internationally, making it easily and widely accessible under the concept of "Accessing Dharma anywhere, anytime, with just a touch of your finger."
You can watch it at: www.BuddhistDharmaFestivalforPeacefulMedia.com
It will be officially launched from December 14th onwards.
