The statue is on display at the National Museum in Bangkok, gifted to the people of Thailand and ASEAN by the Government of Pakistan.
In profoundly soul-searching remarks at the handover ceremony on 31 July, the Most Venerable Anil Sakya, Assistant Abbot of Wat Bowonniwet Vihara, one of Thailand’s most revered monks said, “To the people of Thailand, I say: this is a rare and precious opportunity. Soon, Thai Buddhists will stand before this sacred image — not as visitors to history, but as spiritual pilgrims. In the silent presence of this statue lies a timeless lesson: to persevere, to seek wisdom, and to walk the path of balance.”
In turn, Pakistani Ambassador Ms. Rukhsana Afzaal noted that the original nearly 2000-year-old sculpture holds “inestimable spiritual value for the followers of Buddhism, has been an object of great appreciation and main attraction at the Lahore Museum since 1889.” Constructed by a renowned Pakistani artist, Mr. Jamil Kakar, the replica is one of two produced this year, the other being gifted to the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. “I am confident that this unique sculpture of Lord Buddha will attract devotees not only from Thailand but from the entire ASEAN region,” the Ambassador said.
Said the Embassy’s official announcement, “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.”
The statue significantly uplifts the priceless displays of Buddha images at the Thai National Museum, one of the most diverse collections of its kind. The handover ceremony was also attended by Mr. Phanomboot Chantrachoti, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture (in image below), Mrs. Chotika Akkrakitsophakul, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Culture, Mr. Jetsada Cheewawichawalkul, Deputy Director General Fine Arts Department, and the Ambassadors of Bangladesh, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Maldives and the Holy See.
In his remarks, Mr. Phanomboot said, “The Ministry of Culture recognises the significance of this statue not only as a masterful example of Gandharan art, but also as a cultural bridge that links our countries through a shared spiritual and cultural heritage. The artistic tradition of Buddhist sculpture, especially in South and Southeast Asia, speaks to our historical and religious interconnectedness. The depiction of the Buddha’s austere self-mortification — a supreme act of renunciation prior to enlightenment — continues to inspire Buddhist communities around the world. By presenting this replica to Thailand, the Government of Pakistan is passing on a legacy of faith, compassion, and wisdom that the teachings of Buddhism have long bestowed upon humanity.”
It was MV Phra Anil Sakya’s remarks about the real value and significance of both the statue and the ceremony itself which resonated most deeply, especially when framed against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between two Buddhist kingdoms, Thailand and Cambodia.
He said, “This is far more than a ceremonial event. It is, in truth, a moment of spiritual reconnection — where art, faith, and history converge to remind us of the deep and enduring ties between our two ancient lands. The statue before us — the Fasting Buddha — is one of the most profound and powerful depictions of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, before his enlightenment. Emaciated from years of intense asceticism, yet inwardly calm and resolute, this image is not one of suffering, but of realisation. It captures the pivotal moment when the Bodhisattva turns away from self-mortification and discovers the Middle Way — a path of balance, clarity, and liberation.
“While such imagery is rare in Thai Buddhist iconography, the message it carries resonates deeply within the Thai Theravada tradition. This statue is not only an aesthetic marvel; it is a timeless reminder that wisdom arises from inner balance, not from extremes.”
MV Anil Sakya added, “This statue, therefore, is not merely an object of the past. It is a living bridge — connecting Pakistan’s ancient Buddhist heritage with Thailand’s living Buddhist faith. Today’s handover, then, is not just an act of cultural diplomacy. It is a gesture of spiritual kinship. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, the National Museum in Karachi, and all officials and scholars involved in this generous and visionary initiative. You have not only honoured the Thai people, but have reaffirmed Pakistan’s rightful place as a guardian of one of Asia’s most sacred legacies.
“Let us embrace this moment as a beginning — an invitation for deeper collaboration between our peoples. May this handover inspire academic partnerships, cultural exchanges, spiritual pilgrimages, and mutual understanding between Thailand and Pakistan. The journey of this statue — from the Gandharan hills to the heart of Thai devotion — is a journey of reconnection. It reminds us that though centuries have passed, and borders may separate us, the Dhamma still unites us.
“Today, we do not merely receive a statue. We honour a shared legacy. We reaffirm a friendship. And we walk together – across a bridge built not of stone, but of respect, understanding, and faith.”
The replica is made of black fiber material, with a height of 97.53 cm. Another replica has been presented earlier to the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
Ambassador Rukhsana said, “The sculpture belonging to the Mahayana philosophy is approximately 2,000 years old and is an artifact of its own kind complete with delicate and refined Gandhara artistic style.”
She added, “Pakistan attaches immense importance to its relations with ASEAN as reflected by its more than three decades of partnership with the grouping as the Sectoral Dialogue Partner. This partnership spreads across political, economic and cultural domains. Cultural ties and people-to-people contacts is the most significant pillar of this partnership, under which, the Government of Pakistan has made this great gesture of friendship to the Royal Kingdom of Thailand.”
She also invited invited guests to the photographic exhibition of Pakistan’s rich Gandhara heritage by the renowned photographer Mr. David Lau (in image below). He has visited Pakistan several times and captured beautiful images of Gandhara and tapestry of Northern areas of Pakistan.
The full texts of the speeches, reproduced below, offer unique insights into the origins of the “Fasting Buddha” as well as the history and cultures of South and Southeast Asia, and the role of communications and diplomacy as conduits for promoting peace and harmony in a strife-torn and conflict-ridden world.
