Growing trees: A new way of making merit

13 Sept 12:34 Key points summarised by AI

On Visakha Bucha Day (May 22), coinciding with Thailand National Arbor Day, the 'Wian Tian Using Tree Seedlings' activity invites Buddhists to make merit by replacing traditional incense and candles with tree seedlings during religious ceremonies.
This initiative serves a dual purpose: offering an eco-friendly way to observe religious traditions while actively contributing to urban greening, reducing air pollution, and minimizing waste from conventional offerings.
Endorsed by Buddhist monks, growing trees is presented as a modern form of merit-making that fosters healthier, happier environments, directly addressing contemporary environmental challenges and enhancing overall well-being.
A collaborative effort by the Tree for Dhamma Foundation and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the project aims to plant over 20,000 trees, significantly contributing to the BMA's 'one-million tree plantation project' and '15-Minute Pocket Parks' policy to increase urban green spaces.

Bright at Midnight: Conceptual echoes of Bas Jan Ader Arrive in Bangkok

Yesterday 15:13 Key points summarised by AI

"Bright at Midnight" marks the first institutional exhibition in Asia of Dutch conceptual artist Bas Jan Ader, showcasing his enigmatic work at Bangkok Kunsthalle until January 10, 2027.
The exhibition delves into Ader's legacy, exploring themes of vulnerability and the ephemeral, made more poignant by his 1975 disappearance at sea during an art project.
It encourages viewers to engage with art beyond its material form, featuring key pieces like "Thoughts unsaid, Then forgotten," "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks," and the haunting film "Launch of the Ocean Wave."
A highlight is the planned live transformation of "Light vulnerable objects threatened by eight cement bricks" in 2026, where ropes will be cut, creating a new layer of art from the destructive impact.
The exhibition challenges conventional art consumption, advocating for a deeper appreciation of conceptual and research-driven artistic practices over mere fascination with art as an asset class.