On Sunday 13 November 2011 from 11.00 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ambassador Nopadol Gunavibool and his deputy, Mr. Jitti Suwannik, as well as other members of Team Thailand in Singapore, attended an event to celebrate the 45th anniversary of “Wat Ananda Youth” or WAY at Copthorne King’s Hotel. The event’s programme included delivery of the opening address by Mr. Andrew Sim, President of WAY, who informed the 200 guests about WAY”s background, visions and missions, as well as a congratulatory message delivered by Venerable Phramaha Rian Manone- Yang, Honorable Secretary of Wat Ananda Metyarama, followed by video presentation on WAY’s activities and cultural performances by WAY members.

Wat Ananda Youth or WAY was formerly known as the Ananda Metyarama Buddhist Youth Circle (AMBYC). In 2006, on its 40th Anniversary, AMBYC decided to reinvent itself to appeal to the youth of the 21st century. Its name was changed to Wat Ananda Youth (WAY), a catchy name which is easy to remember and reflect its roles and vision. Activities of WAY, which are largely held at Wat Anand Metyarama at 50B Jalan Bukit Merah, include regular Sunday morning service, Dhamma talk and mediation, quarterly community service (distribution of daily necessities to elderly and low-income families), Buddhist festival celebrations, holy site tours as well as networking for young working Buddhists. For those who are interested in joining WAY’s religious and social activities, please contact WAY by e-mail at way1966@gmail.com or visit its website at http://www.way.org.sg