Bangkok: The Department of Agricultural Extension held a ceremony to pay homage to the plough, seeking blessings and preparing for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony of 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, the ceremony took place at the plough storage building of the Department of Agricultural Extension, honoring Phra Phol Thep, who is known for wielding a plough as his weapon. This event was designed to bring good fortune ahead of the royal ceremony, with Mr. Winairoj Sapsongsook, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, presiding over the proceedings.
The plough used in the royal ceremony has historical significance, having been constructed in 1996 by dairy farmers from Nong Pho, Ratchaburi Province, and presented to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Made of teak wood, it is lacquered and gilded, and is maintained by the Department of Agricultural Extension.
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony for the year 2026 (B.E. 2569) is scheduled to include a Buddhist ceremony on May 12th at the Ubosot (main chapel) of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and a Brahmin ceremony (ploughing and sowing day) on May 13th at Sanam Luang. Mr. Winairoj Trapsongsook will take on the role of Phraya Raek Na (Chief Ploughman).
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, also known as the First Ploughing Ceremony, holds great cultural importance. It aims to boost the morale of farmers and instill confidence in the abundance of crops, marking the start of the planting season and highlighting the essential role of agriculture in the country’s food security.