Thailand's royal ceremony predicts a prosperous year for farmers

On May 9, 2025, Thailand celebrated the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, an elaborate annual event that marks the beginning of the rice-planting season and honors farmers across the nation. This traditional observance occurs at Sanam Luang, a significant field near the Grand Palace in Bangkok, where the ceremony has taken place for centuries. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida attended, taking shelter from the sun under ornate umbrellas as they witnessed the rituals designed to forecast agricultural success for the upcoming year. Although the country faces economic challenges, this year’s augury predicted favorable conditions for farming. During the ceremony, the highest-ranking civil servant in the Agriculture Ministry, dressed in traditional attire, played a pivotal role as the Lord of the Ploughing Ceremony. He participated in various acts indicating the prospects for agriculture, including the selection of cloth that signifies rainfall and harvesting abundance. The ceremony also featured the symbolic ploughing performed by two sacred oxen, known as “Por” and “Piang,” which signifies sufficiency, a core value in Thai culture. They pulled a plough across the field while the Lord of the Ploughing Ceremony scattered seeds. The act is steeped in tradition and is believed to boost morale among farmers. Following the ceremonial activities, the sacred oxen chose food offerings presented by Brahmin priests. They picked items such as water, grass, and liquor, each bearing significance related to agricultural prosperity, food supply abundance, and international trade. The act of choosing these items is an essential part of the ceremony as it conveys the overall outlook for the agricultural year. As the event came to an end, many onlookers ran onto the fields to collect the scattered seeds, viewing them as tokens or blessings for their homes. This tradition illustrates the deep-rooted connection between the Thai people and their agrarian culture, which has persisted for several centuries. Historically, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony dates back about 700 years, demonstrating its longstanding importance in Thai society. The ritual provides a platform to foster hope among farmers at the start of a new planting season. As rice farming remains at the heart of Thailand’s culture and economic foundation, this year's positive predictions provide a much-needed boost amid economic hardships. After the king and queen's departure, many participants took part in the lively collection of seeds, ensuring that the spirit of the ceremony continues to thrive in the hearts of the people.