THE THUMBS-UP on the hilltop came from a saffron-robed associate of the Venerable Suddhananda Mahathero.

Phuket's Big Buddha, it seems, had won over another fan, this time one all the way from Bangladesh.

The Venerable Suddhananda Mahathero, High Priest of Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery and President, Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, came to Phuket with a group of followers.

He was among the notable attendees on Thursday to mark the blessing of a new big bell at the Big Buddha.

Vice Governor Vorapoj Rattaseema was there, too, standing in for the new Governor, who had more pressing business.

His main policy speech was due to be delivered on Friday.

Thursday was a public holiday, so hundreds of visitors streamed up the hill all day to the Big Buddha.

To see what it was like, visit our Photo Album above.

Sunny Day Photo Album
After years of construction, Phuket's Big Buddha is now on view, without scaffolding. In Phuket City, the annual Big Buddha carnival is being held. Next week, atop the Big Buddha hill, the big bell will arrive.
Big Buddha Fair, Big Bell To Toll