A solemn ceremony to receive the statue was held on December 18 by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's (VBS) Executive Council and the HCM City Buddhist Church.

The statue was brought over by a delegation of over 40 Thai dignitaries who are visiting Vietnam on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the reign of Thai King Bhumibol Adulayadej and the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic ties.

The copper statue, 2.1 m in height and 0.6 m in width, was seated with 100 other bronze Buddhist statues, each 23 cm high, which were cast with donations from Thai Buddhist followers.

According to the dignitary, Pho Minh Pagoda hosted two ceremonies to receive Kathina cloth offerings from Thai King Bhumibol Adulayadej in 2004 and 2006. Thai Buddhist believers living and working in HCM City often visit the pagoda to worship the Buddha.