Phuketwan Photo Album Above
HUNDREDS of Phuket people turned out today to help Luang Pu Supha celebrate his 113th birthday, which quite possibly makes him the world's oldest man.
The venerable Luang Pu Supha looked on at the temple in Chalong named after him as about 200 monks chanted and island dignitaries, led by the Governor, Wichai Praisa-nob, wished him well.
Some of those attending the ceremony and enjoying the lunch afterward have 110 years or more of living to go to catch up.
The finishing touches are being put to the temple building nearby housing a large saffron-shrouded statue of Buddha, with spectacular stories adorning the walls.
Surprisingly, women are painted on most of the long window shutters, together with a lone male blond expat, probably with a Phuket historical context.
Clearly, there's an intriguing story being told here about Phuket.
When Phuketwan turned up months ago to take a peek at the painting, the artisans were so pleased to have an admirer that they gave up a small wooden piece of artwork. The day it is all finally finished will be quite something.
The land for the new building was donated by the Wangkiat family, which owns the property across a lagoon where a nine-hole golf course has sprung up.
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit heard that Luang Pu Supa had decided, after living at 30 temples over a long period of time, to make this temple on Phuket his home, and declared that it should be named after him.
Wat Luang Pu Supha can be found off Chaofa Road East, about a kilometre from Wat Chalong, towards Phuket City.
More ceremonies are anticipated before the building and the naming process are complete.
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