Sacred oxen forecast strong trade and food supplies in Royal Ploughing Ceremony

Thailand's annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony on Wednesday forecast strong trade, economic growth and abundant food supplies after the sacred oxen selected beans, sesame seeds, water and liquor during the centuries-old rite at Sanam Luang in Bangkok.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is one of Thailand's oldest royal traditions, dating back more than 700 years to the Sukhothai period. Rooted in ancient Brahmin beliefs from India and later combined with Buddhist practices, the ceremony marks the start of the rice-growing season and is intended to bring prosperity while predicting agricultural conditions for the year ahead. The rite has continued as an important annual royal ceremony closely tied to Thailand's agricultural heritage.

Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida travelled by royal motorcade from Dusit Palace to the ceremonial pavilion at Sanam Luang to preside over the rite.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Winairoat Subsongsook served as the Ploughing Lord, leading a ceremonial procession from the Brahmin Ceremonial Hall to the field alongside consecrated ladies, royal pundits and Brahmins. The sacred oxen were then yoked to a traditional plough, completing three lengthwise and three crosswise circuits around the field before rice seeds were scattered.

Earlier in the ceremony, the Ploughing Lord selected a six-khuep cloth, or about 1.5 metres, in the traditional garment selection ritual. Royal astrologers interpreted the choice as a sign of limited rainfall this year, predicting strong yields for lowland rice fields but possible damage and reduced harvests in upland farming areas.

After the ploughing ritual, seven offerings — rice, maize, green beans, sesame seeds, liquor, water and grass — were presented to the sacred oxen for their symbolic selection.

The oxen chose beans and sesame seeds, predicting abundant crops and food supplies. Their selection of water and grass was interpreted as a sign of sufficient rainfall and plentiful agricultural produce and livestock, while drinking liquor was seen as a positive omen for transportation, international trade and economic prosperity.