Thursday, May 9, 2024 Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida have kindly agreed to lead the Royal Ploughing Ceremony on Friday, 10 May 2024 at Phra Meru Grounds (Sanam Luang) in Bangkok. The event is set to commence at 08:00 Hrs. Accompanied by members of the royal family, Their Majesties will be joined by ambassadors and representatives from over 80 foreign embassies and consulates, as well as international organizations in Thailand.
Many distinguished guests are also expected to be in attendance. This year, Mr. Prayoon Insakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has been appointed as Phraya Raek Na (Lord of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony), while officials from agriculture-related agencies have been chosen to play the roles of Celestial Maidens.
The Cultivating and Ploughing Ceremony comprises two distinct rituals: the Cultivating Ceremony (Phra Ratchaphithi Phuetchamongkhon) and the Ploughing Ceremony (Phra Ratchaphithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan). The Cultivating Ceremony, a Buddhist tradition, originated during the reign of King Rama IV of the Great Royal House of Chakri. On the other hand, the Ploughing Ceremony is an ancient Brahmanic practice dating back over 700 years to the Sukhothai Period.
These ceremonies are intertwined, aiming to bring prosperity to the nation’s crops, boost farmers’ spirits, and mark the beginning of the rice-growing season. Additionally, they offer an opportunity for foreigners to.
