Bangkok: The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has recently conducted a ceremony to honor ancient kings, the Naga-riding Phra Pirun, and other sacred objects to usher in good fortune ahead of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony scheduled for May 9, 2568.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Prayoon Insakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, who also holds the title of the first farmer of 2025, led the worship ceremony. He was joined by the goddesses carrying gold and silver, along with other officials, in paying homage to sacred symbols and deities, including various shrines and images significant to the ministry.
The ceremony commenced at 7:29 a.m. with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture performing traditional rituals such as lighting incense sticks and candles. The goddesses carrying gold and silver offered garlands to the ancestors, deities, and the Naga-riding Phra Pirun. The ceremony featured the scattering of rice and flowers, receiving of holy water, and anointing
of the forehead before concluding.
Held to bring good fortune to civil servants and related officials, this ceremony precedes the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. This year, religious chanting will start on May 8 at the Ubosot of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, followed by the ploughing and sowing event on May 9 at Sanam Luang.
Mr. Prayoon Insakul will lead the ploughing ceremony, accompanied by the golden and silver carrying goddesses, Ms. Thirada Wongkutlo, Ms. Waraporn Wilaimat, Ms. Chanthisa Areesawat, and Ms. Apichanya Fussaeng. The event will include a prediction ritual using 7 items of cloth and food for the royal oxen, with interpretations related to agriculture and trade.
The Ministry of Agriculture will utilize royal rice varieties from experimental fields, amounting to a total weight of 4,880 kilograms, for the 2025 ceremony. The public is encouraged to watch the live broadcast of the event on May 9, 2025, starting at 8:00 a.m., through the Royal Television Station of Thailand and other media pl
atforms.
Additionally, registration for royal rice seeds is available online from April 8 to May 2, 2025, through the ministry’s website or via QR code scanning.