The Royal Plowing and Sowing Ceremony (Phra Ratcha Phithi Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan) is an ancient Brahmanic and Buddhist ritual that marks the traditional start of the rice planting season and pays tribute to farmers.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) usually presides over this annual event on the Sanam Luang esplanade, in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
The ceremony combines Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Its main purpose is to pay tribute to Thai farmers, boost national morale, and ask for blessings for the fertility of the land. Traditionally, this celebration holds great institutional significance, and the public follows its predictions with great interest.
Each year, the diplomatic corps accredited in Bangkok is invited to attend the ceremony.
