Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn presides over a ceremony to hand over the last portion of gold bars, weighing 920.5 kilogrammes, to the Bank of Thailand at Suan Saeng Tham monastery in Phutthamonthon Sai 3 Road in Bangkok on May 7, 2011. Initiated by late Luangta Maha Bua Yannasampanno after the Thai financial crash in 1997, the princess's respected monk had asked Thai people to help the country by donating cash and gold to the national reserves. Photos by Pawat Laopaisarntaksin.

PHOTOS

7 MAY 2011

The Last Portion Of Gold

Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn presides over a ceremony to hand over the last portion of gold bars, weighing 920.5 kilogrammes, to the Bank of Thailand at Suan Saeng Tham monastery in Phutthamonthon Sai 3 Road in Bangkok on May 7, 2011. Initiated by late Luangta Maha Bua Yannasampanno after the Thai financial crash in 1997, the princess's respected monk had asked Thai people to help the country by donating cash and gold to the national reserves. Photos by Pawat Laopaisarntaksin.

 
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The Last Portion Of Gold
A gold bar, weighing 12.5 kg each, is among gold donations given by disciples of Luangta Maha Bua.
The Last Portion Of Gold
The gold bars are on display amid tight security.
The Last Portion Of Gold
People crowd the main hall of Suan Saeng Tham monastery to join the handover ceremony of gold donations.
The Last Portion Of Gold
Monks, sitting by a photo of Luangta Maha Bua, are preparing for a prayer.
The Last Portion Of Gold
Cash is also donated to Luangta Maha Bua.
The Last Portion Of Gold
Bank of Thailand governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul place garlands on gold bars to pay respect to Luang Ta Maha Bua.
The Last Portion Of Gold
Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn listen to the prayer performed to mark the ceremony.
The Last Portion Of Gold
A senior monk sprinkles blessed water on gold bars for a good luck before they will be kept at the Bank of Thailand.
The Last Portion Of Gold
Enthusiasts cram into the centre to have a glimpse of goal bars.