กรมศิลปากรมีความยินดีที่ได้ต้อนรับพระพุทธรูปจำลององค์นี้ สู่การจัดแสดง ณ พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ พระนคร เพื่อเป็นแหล่งเรียนรู้สำหรับเยาวชน นักเรียน นักศึกษา ตลอดจนผู้สนใจทั่วไป และเพื่อเสริมสร้างความเข้าใจในพุทธศิลป์ในภูมิภาคเอเชียให้กว้างขวางยิ่งขึ้น และหวังเป็นอย่างยิ่งว่า ความร่วมมือนี้จะงอกงามต่อไปในอนาคต ทั้งในรูปแบบการแลกเปลี่ยนนิทรรศการ การวิจัยทางวิชาการ การอนุรักษ์วัฒนธรรม และโครงการต่าง ๆ ที่เอื้อต่อการเสริมสร้างความเข้าใจและความสัมพันธ์อันดีระหว่างประชาชนของทั้งสองประเทศ – นายพนมบุตร กล่าวทิ้งท้าย

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On 31 July 2025, at 09.30 hrs., Mr. Phnombootra Chandrajoti, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, represented the Ministry of Culture in receiving the Replica of the Fasting Buddha, presented by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Her Excellency Ms. Rukhsana Afzaal, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Thailand, as the representative of the Government of Pakistan.The ceremony took place at Issarawinitchai Throne Hall, the National Museum, Bangkok.

 

The replica of the Fasting Buddha was made of black fiber material, with a height of 97.53 cm. Previously, the Government of Pakistan had presented similar replicas to the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, and several countries across Southeast Asia. This initiative by the Government of Pakistan aims to promote cultural diplomacy, religious heritage, and Buddhist pilgrimage tourism across the ancient Gandhara Civilization. By presenting the replica, Pakistan seeks to attract Thai and international pilgrims and tourists to Pakistan, thereby fostering bilateral relations and expanding opportunities for people of both countries, while also contributing to Pakistan’s tourism industry.

 

Mr. Phnombootra stated that the Ministry of Culture recognizes the significance of this replica not only as an exquisite piece of Gandharan art, but also as a “cultural bridge” that strengthens the relationship between Thailand and Pakistan, rooted in shared religious and cultural heritage—particularly Buddhist art across South and Southeast Asia.

 

While the episode of the Buddha’s extreme asceticism is well-known in Buddhist scriptures, the realistic emaciated depiction of the Buddha—known as the Fasting Buddha—is unfamiliar in traditional Thai Buddhist art, which typically represents the Buddha in idealized, divine form, symbolizing compassion, purity, and wisdom, following the Mahapurisa-lakkhana (Great Man characteristics). Thai representations often depict a serene and radiant form with smooth skin, resembling a celestial being.

 

The Fasting Buddha, in contrast, emphasizes the very human struggle and supreme perseverance of the Bodhisattva before enlightenment. It serves as a powerful symbol and inspiration for Buddhists worldwide. Pakistan’s presentation of this replica to Thailand thus represents the transmission of a shared legacy of faith, compassion, and wisdom that Buddhism has offered to humanity.

 

The Fine Arts Department is honored to welcome the replica into its collection at the National Museum  Bangkok. The display will serve as a valuable learning resource for youth, students, and the public, while deepening understanding of Buddhist art across the Asian region. Mr. Phnombootra concluded by expressing his sincere hope that this collaboration will continue to flourish in the future—through exhibition exchanges, academic research, cultural conservation efforts, and joint projects that further strengthen mutual understanding and close ties between the peoples of the two nations.