Over 100 Boats Join Century-Old Luang Pho Pan Sea Procession
Thousands of devotees participated in the annual Luang Pho Pan boat procession in Samut Prakan on November 13, a tradition spanning over 100 years. More than 100 local boats joined the flotilla escorting the revered monk's image to the Gulf of Thailand, where crews competed to grab a sacred flag. Marine police and rescue teams ensured safety throughout the waterborne and land processions.
Thousands of devotees gathered for the Luang Pho Pan procession, preserving an ancient tradition dating back over 100 years. On November 13, 2026, disciples by the thousands attended the annual event honoring Luang Pho Pan, the former abbot of Wat Mongkol Kotthawas (Wat Bang Hia), a renowned monk from Samut Prakan. The highlight is the sea flag-grabbing ritual where the monk's image is ferried to the Gulf of Thailand's entrance, and local fishing boats race to approach the vessel carrying the image to seize a sacred cloth flag. This year's atmosphere was more vibrant than ever, with over 100 fishing and local boats escorting Luang Pho Pan into the gulf. Marine police, rescue personnel, and lifeguards provided security along the entire route before the image was transferred to a land procession vehicle for public worship.
