On Sunday morning at the Sawanghaid Tammasatarn Foundation, Ban Tung Hiang Village in Panusnikom District of in Chonburi, the 7th Annual Graveyard Cleaning Ceremony was conducted by Chinese-Thai Buddhists. Led by the Chonburi Provincial Administration, represented by Chonburi’s Governor Wichit Chartpaisit, the Chairman of the Administration Mr. Wittaya Khunpluem and assisted by the Buddhist Association of Thailand, represented by its President Dr. Prayoet Nueang-jam-nong the participants came to clean the graveyard by digging up the skeletons and dead bodies that had not yet received a proper burial. The corpses will be reburied with proper ceremonies by persons called Koen Soeng who are qualified to perform these re-internments,. Their duty is to help all the lost and meandering souls to cross into the light of peace.
 
The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of the Interior, Mr. Wichian Chawalit was the Guest of Honor who cut the ribbon and invited the golden Buddha Stick Jar up to the pedestal, so the people can send their wishes and prayers to this Buddhist icon. The jar will remain there until May 29th, 2011, for a total of 64 days.
 
The act of Graveyard Cleaning is considered one of the top charitable  activities to obtain merit in this life, as people have to deal with dead bodies and dirt.  Devotees believe that doing this service without feelings of disgust, but rather feelings of mercy for the dead, will bring much merit.

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