Wat Thammarattanaram

06/01/2026

Sabaidee everyone,

We would like to provide an important update regarding the upcoming election for the President of Wat Thammarattanaram, which will take place on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

To ensure that all eligible members have the opportunity to participate, voter registration will remain open until the time of voting. Members who have not yet registered may do so in person at the designated voting registration area on election day. Registration forms may also be submitted by email to: [email protected]. Please include “Registration Form” in the subject line of your email.

Election Day Information
Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Voting Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

We are pleased to announce that there are currently two candidates for the position of President:

• Khamsone Phoumylay
• Phanat Xanamane

Both individuals have demonstrated dedication to our temple community, and we thank them for their willingness to serve.

Voting Requirements
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be an active and registered member of Wat Thammarattanaram
• Must be present in person to cast a vote
• Must be a resident of Louisiana (valid ID required)

We encourage all eligible members to participate in this important process as we work together to shape the future of our temple. Your voice and involvement help strengthen our community and ensure the continued success of Wat Thammarattanaram.

Thank you for your ongoing support, dedication, and commitment to our temple family. We look forward to your participation on election day.

With gratitude,
Wat Thammarattanaram Election Committee

05/30/2026

Sabaidee everyone,

We would like to invite you to join us this weekend as we celebrate two special occasions at our beloved temple, Wat Thammarattanaram.
First, we will celebrate the reopening of the Horkong structure and the ranking ceremony for Yapor Bounkeng Keosinh. Over the year, he has dedicated countless hours of hard work and service to repairing and maintaining many of the temple's structures. His commitment, generosity, and dedication have helped preserve and strengthen our temple community. We hope you will join us in recognizing and celebrating his accomplishments.

Please read the information below:

Registered individuals who are interested in running for the position of President are encouraged to contact a member of the board or send us a private message. The deadline to register as a candidate is May 31, 2026.

Candidate Requirements:

Must be an active member of Wat Thammarattanaram for at least four years
Must be 21 years of age or older
Must complete an initial review and interview with the board members
Must be a resident of Louisiana

The election will take place on June 7, 2026.

Voting Requirements:

Must be 18 years of age or older
Must be an active member of Wat Thammarattanaram
Must be present in person to vote
Must be a resident of Louisiana

Active Member:
If you are unsure of your member status, you may complete a membership form and submit it to the temple, preferably on weekends. The deadline to register as a voting member is May 31, 2026.

*We will have a table set up tomorrow, May 31, 2026 for the individuals who would like to come register tomorrow in person.*

Thank you, and we appreciate your continued support of our temple community.

05/06/2026

Sabaidee everyone,

We would like to formally announce that our temple will be holding an election for a new President. Our current President, Mr. Bouasone Ounechith, has graciously served our congregation for two terms over the past eight years. We are deeply grateful for his dedicated leadership, commitment, and service to our community. His contributions have left a lasting and honorable legacy that will guide future leaders and members of our temple.

Individuals who are interested in running for the position of President are encouraged to contact a member of the board or send us a private message. The deadline to register as a candidate is May 31, 2026.

Candidate Requirements:

Must be an active member of Wat Thammarattanaram for at least four years
Must be 21 years of age or older
Must complete an initial review and interview with the board members
Must be a resident of Louisiana

The election will take place on June 7, 2026.

Voting Requirements:

Must be 18 years of age or older
Must be an active member of Wat Thammarattanaram
Must be present in person to vote
Must be a resident of Louisiana

Active Member:
If you are unsure of your member status, you may complete a membership form and submit it to the temple, preferably on weekends. The deadline to register as a voting member is May 31, 2026.

Thank you, and we appreciate your continued support of our temple community.

05/03/2026

04/13/2026

Sabaidee everyone,

Temple board and LNY festival organizers continue to assess the needs of the 18 individuals injured and are coordinating available resources to assist survivors. We’re grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support from friends near and far. We are actively receiving and channeling resources to those affected, and remain committed to helping each person on their healing journey.

Additional steps: We will share details soon on where to send donations and how to contribute in meaningful ways. We also plan a Baci Ceremony or Sou Kwan (blessing string) ceremony part of Lao custom for survivors at the temple in the near future, as a compassionate blessing and gesture of communal support. We will provide further information as plans are confirmed.

To all that were harmed and affected. May your path to recovery be blessed with strength, peace, and gentle care. From Wat Thammarattanaram Buddhist Temple and the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival, we send you care, hope, and support.

Please reach out to Louisiana Lao New Year Page or Wat Thammarattanaram if you’d need assistance.

As always, have a blessed one 🙏!

A statement from the temple's broad and monks is attached below:

04/05/2026

Sabaidee everyone,

All religious programs will resume today, and our vendors will also be open. We encourage everyone to come out and support them.

Please note that motor vehicles—including cars, golf carts, ATVs, and 4-wheelers—are strictly prohibited inside the event area. Kindly use the designated side doors for entry and exit. If the main gates are open, this does not permit vehicle access. Be sure to follow all posted signs at the front gate.

Additionally, for those operating any motor vehicles outside the restricted area, please remain cautious and mindful of pedestrians at all times.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

04/04/2026

Statement from the Louisiana Lao New Year Festival and Wat Thammarattanaram.

We are profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds. We are awaiting additional details from authorities as they become available. All security resources have been redirected to the scene, and we currently do not have security personnel available due to the circumstances.

In the interest of public safety, tonight’s festival music programs will be canceled (no live concerts, no alcohol sales). Vendors will remain open until 9:00 PM.

We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time.

As of now, and if security resources are restored for tomorrow (Sunday) we will reopen only the religious services of the festival, and vendors will stay open.

04/04/2026

Sabaidee everyone,

We hope everyone is excited and ready for today's festivities. Just a reminder that roads will be closed off starting around 10:30 AM/11:00 AM. Parade will kick off around 12:00 PM/12:30 PM. Please be mindful about where you park. For example, the curves of the road is a no no, it is a hazard when floats need to turn. This is a neighborhood, please do not park on anyone's private property without their permission.

Thank you and have blessed one!