Reading of the Peace Messages and 1-Minute Silent for Peace

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1 - 30 September 2026.

The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Thailand successfully conducted its nationwide initiative, "Reading of the Peace Messages and 1-Minute Silence for Peace", throughout September 2026. Organised in commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Peace under the 2026 theme "Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day", the project was carried out with the official support of the Ministry of Education and the Royal Thai Government.

The project traces its origins back to the mid-2000s, when UPF Thailand began encouraging schools to read peace messages and observe a one-minute silent prayer during morning flag-raising ceremonies. By 2010, the initiative gained official endorsement from the Ministry of Education, and for over 22 years, the Prime Minister of Thailand has provided an official Peace Message annually. The primary objectives of the initiative are to cultivate a widespread culture of peace, encourage national reconciliation and harmony across all levels of society, strengthen public sector partnerships, and advance international peacebuilding efforts.

The flagship event for the 2026 campaign took place on September 10 at the Eastern College of Technology (E-Tech) in Chonburi province, gathering over 8,000 students, teachers, and government officials. Key dignitaries led the proceedings, including Mr. Kamol Thananopavarn, Secretary-General of UPF Thailand, who served as master of ceremonies, and Dr. Prasert Klinchoo, Director of E-Tech, who delivered welcoming remarks. Official peace messages were read by General Terdsak Marrome, President of UPF Thailand; Mr. Isara Charoenchasri, Vice Governor of Chonburi Province (reading on behalf of Prime Minister H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul); and Dr. Lek Thaveetermsakul, Vice President of UPF Thailand, alongside student representative Ms. Patsara Janchana, who read UN Secretary-General António Guterres's message in English and Thai respectively. The gathering concluded with a collective minute of silent prayer.

Overall, the project reached over 600 schools, educational institutions, and government agencies nationwide, engaging approximately 160,000 to hundreds of thousands of participants. Through its sustained collaboration with the Royal Thai Government and public institutions, UPF Thailand reinforced its standing as one of the most successful and influential peacebuilding non-governmental organisations in the country, fostering a lasting collective consciousness of peace.

Reported by: Mr. Kamol Thananopavarn, Secretary General of UPF Thailand