A Thai delegation of seventeen monks led by Phra Tepyankawee, Abbot of Wat Phra Simahathatwaramahawihan Monastery and President of Phra Simahathatwaramahawihan Buddhist College, visited Fo Guang Shan Monastery, its branch temples in Northern Taiwan, and affiliated Nan Hua and Fo Guang Universities from September 17th to 22nd. In an expression of appreciation the Thai delegation presented Fo Guang Shan with Buddha relics, statues and books.

Accompanied by Ven. Hsin Ting, Abbot of Fo Guang Shan, the delegation visited the Female College of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Ts'ung Lin University on September 21st. There they shared ideas on monastic education with Ven. Tzu Hui, President of Fo Guang Shan Education Council; Ven. Hui Kuang, Dean of the Male Buddhist College; Ven. Yung Ben, Dean of the Female Buddhist College, and staff who together warmly received the Thai clergy delegation. 

The delegation was very much impressed by the lush and serene environment of the college, its three well-stocked libraries, and modern facilities with computers in the classrooms. 

Though Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism have some vinaya (monastic discipline) differences, especially concerning the status of female clergy, the recent visit had quite an influence on the visitors regarding Fo Guang Shan monastic education for women. The Thai delegation now hopes to send lay female disciples to study at the Fo Guang Shan Female Buddhist College. Phra Kaveewarayan of the Mahamakyt Buddhist University expressed his hope of establishing an educational sisterhood relationship between Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Ts'ung Lin University and Mahamakyt Buddhist University.

The visit by the Thai Buddhist clergy was a harmonious means of promoting dialogue between the different Buddhist traditions.