Chiang Mai Temple Ceremony Sparks Lottery Frenzy Over Monk's Age
A major Buddhist ceremony at Wat San Makhaeng in Chiang Mai attracted lottery buyers seeking lucky numbers tied to a revered 88-year-old monk and the temple's 11th anniversary. The three-day event features ancient Lanna chanting, Kathin robe offerings, and ordination rituals. Crowds purchased numbers 88 and 11, along with adjacent digits, hoping for a windfall.
On November 6, 2026, Phra Khru Adul Inthawong, assistant abbot of Wat Phra That Doi Saket, and Phra Khru Palat Surachet (Phra Khru Tech Rangsi), abbot of Wat San Makhaeng, invited 30 monks to lead ancient Lanna chanting ceremonies. The three-day event (November 6-8) includes the Kathin robe offering, boundary stone rituals, and ordinations.
The first evening featured a deity-invoking ceremony, merit dedication to teachers, and the all-night Mon Tan chanting. Among the 30 monks was Luang Pu Khru Ba Duangchan Khemaro, abbot of Wat Ma Kok Tong in San Patong district, aged 88 (87 years, 67 rains retreat). He is considered the most senior monk in Chiang Mai's monastic community.
Lottery vendors sold tickets at the temple grounds, and attendees rushed to buy numbers 88 (the monk's age) and 11 (the temple's anniversary). Numbers 87 and 89 were also popular. The temple's construction began December 5, 1995, making it exactly 11 years old.
The schedule continues: November 7 at 9:00 AM – ancient Lanna chronicle recitation; 10:30 AM – Kathin offering with 108 monks; 1:00 PM – boundary stone cutting and binding; 6:00 PM – appreciation dinner. November 8 at 9:00 AM – ordination ceremonies; 6:00 PM – alms offering. Donations for boundary stones are 3,000 baht per set via Krungthai Bank account 553-0-35478-5.
