A woman follows the path of the fortunate, seeking "lucky numbers" from Tatong Ngiu Rai at Wat Sawang Arom, while Luang Pho Pae invites devotees to make merit by gilding giant boundary spheres.
On 31 Jan 2026, it was reported that on the morning of that day at Wat Sawang Arom in Khae Thao, Khun Kaeo Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province, many worshippers and lottery hopefuls came to pray for blessings and luck from sacred objects within the temple. These include Phra Ngern Phra Thong, Tatong Ngiu Rai, Grandfather Ruesi, Nong Kao Spirit, Love Love 30 Million, Thao Wessuwan, Ai Khai Samnakorn, Grandfather Srisuttho, Grandmother Pathumma, and Thao Hiranpanasur, the Five Great Deities—all known for consistently granting good fortune. As the lottery draw approached, many seekers flocked to find lucky numbers.
Particularly at the sermon hall where Phra Ngern Phra Thong and the statue of Tatong Ngiu Rai are located, drops of wax tears float in a holy water basin. Lottery enthusiasts interpret these wax drops as lucky numbers for each draw, according to their personal beliefs.
Ms. Jinda Sumonkul, 35, a merchant from Satun Province, having heard of Tatong Ngiu Rai's reputation for bringing luck and fortune, came to seek blessings and lucky numbers. She offered a traditional cloth, glasses, a hat, and energy drinks to Tatong, then looked intently into the holy water basin and saw the numbers 407, 43, and 73. She prayed that if she wins, she would return to present seven complete sets of Thai silk outfits, shoes, and clothes. Afterwards, she went to buy lottery tickets at the temple stalls.
Meanwhile, Luang Pho Pae, the abbot, invited devotees to join the grand merit-making event of gilding 99 giant boundary spheres across 9 temples, benefiting poor temples in 9 provinces. The event will take place from 12 Feb to 8 Mar 2026 and is held annually for the 10th time. He also showcased the temple’s 5-rai sunflower field, a Golden Gate bridge replica, and a Japanese-style cherry blossom arch. Visitors can both make merit at nine temples and enjoy the beautiful scenery, combining religious merit with tourism. He encouraged people to join this once-a-year event.