Bangkok: The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives held a full rehearsal for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony before the actual ceremony on May 12-13. The Ministry conducted its first full-scale rehearsal for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony of 2026 at Sanam Luang, ensuring all procedures are carried out correctly according to ancient royal traditions.
According to Thai News Agency, the rehearsal began at 7:00 AM, with Mr. Winairoj Sapsongsook, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, serving as the Phraya Raek Na (Chief Ploughman). He was accompanied by the two goddesses carrying the golden baskets: Ms. Chantisara Areesawet and Ms. Apichaya Foosang. The two goddesses carrying the silver baskets were Ms. Pornjitra Janjaroen and Ms. Saranya Thongkam. Officials from all departments participated in the rehearsal.
This year, the Royal Household has scheduled the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, a Buddhist ceremony, for May 12, 2026, at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, and the Brahminical ceremony for May 13, 2026, at Sanam Luang. The auspicious time for ploughing and sowing is set between 8:09 and 8:39 AM. The ceremony marks Thailand's "Farmers' Day," with two sacred oxen, "Phra Kho Pho" and "Phra Kho Phiang," participating in the ploughing. The oxen will perform a divination by selecting from seven items, predicting agricultural outcomes for the year.
The Ministry has also prepared royal rice seeds from the Chitralada Royal Project for the 2025 rainy season, consisting of seven varieties. These seeds, totaling approximately 5.1 tons, will be distributed nationwide to farmers and the public as a symbol of good fortune. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, dating back to the Sukhothai era, aims to enhance the morale of farmers and is continuously held since its revival in 1960.
The Cabinet has recognized the day of this royal ceremony as "Farmers' Day" since 1966, celebrating the significance of agriculture. Awards and recognition are given annually to outstanding farmers and agricultural experts.
The Ministry invites the public and farmers to register for the royally bestowed rice seeds via their website by April 30, 2026, and to watch the live broadcast of the ceremony on May 13, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM, via the National Broadcasting Service of Thailand and online media.