Transition from Laos to Thailand
📌 The pilgrimage group completed their journey through Laos, marking the final stop for alms rounds (khất thực) in the country.
🇹🇭 The transition involved crossing the border from Laos to Thailand, with approximately 34 km remaining to the border crossing point early on December 31st.
🤝 The group received enthusiastic farewells and support from Lao Buddhist devotees, Vietnamese expatriates, and Lao authorities, including police officials from Ubon Ratchathani province in Thailand who met them at the border.

Border Crossing Procedures and New Support
🛂 Border procedures were reportedly smooth; Lao police facilitated the exit stamping process so the group could proceed directly to Thai immigration.
🇹🇭 Upon entering Thailand, the group was welcomed by Thai police and officials, who will provide security and support for the upcoming leg of the journey.
🤝 New supporters joined the contingent: Mr. Hero (Anh Hùng), a successful Vietnamese businessman with strong connections in both Laos and Thailand, and Mr. Sovit, who assisted with immigration paperwork.

Final Reflections and Departure of Companions
🙏 The leader expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the entire pilgrimage (heading towards India) to the Lao people, government, and authorities for their hospitality and support over the past 20 days in Laos.
💔 Emotional farewells occurred as companions Mr. Lam (Anh Lam) and Mr. Ngan (Anh Ngân) departed from the main group after accompanying them through Laos.
☀️ The journey continued into Thailand, where the environment was noted as being more crowded than Laos, with temperatures reaching 38 to 40 degrees Celsius.

Key Points & Insights
➡️ Embrace new environments with understanding: Initial fear or caution regarding unfamiliar customs (like water splashing during the New Year/Tết period) dissolves once the context is understood.
➡️ The importance of supportive networks: The successful transition was heavily reliant on professional support from Thai authorities and dedicated volunteers like Mr. Hero.
➡️ Continuous movement: Despite emotional farewells, the spiritual commitment remains focused on the next destination, continuing the journey forward into Thailand.

📸 Video summarized with SummaryTube.com on Nov 27, 2025, 12:14 UTC