On May 13, 2026, at 07:19 a.m., His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn graciously appointed Mr. Wiwanaroj Trupsinsuk, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, to serve as Phraya Raek Na, the Lord of the Plough, accompanied by the goddesses. They departed from the Grand Palace via the Savasdisopha Gate on Sanam Chai Road in a royal procession to the ceremony grounds at Sanam Luang.
Preparation and Cloth Divination
At the Brahman ceremony hall, Phraya Raek Na lit incense and candles to pay homage to key deities. He then drew a vow cloth measuring six cubits, which he wore over his existing garment in the style of a farmer preparing for the first ploughing. This omen indicates low water levels, with lowland rice fields yielding abundant harvests while highland fields may suffer some damage and reduced yields.
Royal Presence and Ploughing Ritual
At 08:30 a.m., His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Suthida arrived by royal car from Amporn Sathan Throne Hall in Dusit Palace to preside over the Royal Ploughing Ceremony at the Sanam Luang pavilion. The auspicious timing spanned from 08:09 a.m. to 08:39 a.m.
Phraya Raek Na, with the goddesses, emerged from the Brahman hall, guided by royal scholars and Brahmins to the royal pavilion. He paid homage before proceeding to the ploughing field. Officials yoked the sacred oxen, and Phraya Raek Na anointed the oxen and plough. He ploughed three forward rounds, three cross rounds, sowed grains, and after the royal astrologer sounded the victory gong, covered the seeds with three more rounds. The oxen were then unyoked, and Phraya Raek Na returned to the Brahman hall with the goddesses.
Sacred Omens from the Oxen
Brahmins offered seven foods to the sacred oxen, whose choices provided the season’s forecast. The oxen consumed beans, water, grass, and alcohol, signaling sufficient water supplies and abundant grains, fruits, vegetables, and meats. Transportation improves, international trade flourishes, and the economy prospers.
Awards to Outstanding Farmers
National outstanding farmers, representatives of exemplary agricultural institutions and cooperatives, and agricultural sages from various fields received royal trophies of honor.
Procession and Demonstration Sowing
A royal procession escorted Phraya Raek Na back to pay homage before boarding a royal car with the goddesses. They joined His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Suthida at the demonstration rice plot in Chitralada Gardens. Phraya Raek Na paid homage, then led the sowing of rice seeds for use in next year’s ceremony. The rite concluded with final homage to Their Majesties.
