Lottery enthusiasts observed the 'lucky number' on the coffin lid during the collective merit ceremony at Wat Sawang Arom, hoping for luck in the 2 May 2026 lottery draw, believing it almost always brings good fortune.
On 1 May 2026, reporters reported that at Wat Sawang Arom, Khae Thao, Khun Kaeo Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province, Phra Kru Yothi Thammanuyut, known as Luang Pho Pae, the well-known abbot, held a traditional collective merit ritual to honor deceased ancestors. This ancient tradition has been passed down for a long time and takes place every six months. Each time Luang Pho Pae receives Sanghadana offerings from devotees, he asks them to write the names of their deceased parents, siblings, grandparents, and ancestors on paper slips to be placed in an urn, which he personally uses in the ritual. This practice is highly significant, performed to dedicate merit to the departed ancestors, reflecting deep gratitude and filial piety from descendants.
The ceremony took place in the morning and included offerings of Sanghadana. Many devotees attended since it was Labor Day holiday, including numerous lottery enthusiasts joining because it was the final period before the lottery draw. All participants paid respects by worshipping Phra Malai to extinguish the hellfire at the crematorium and prayed to the heavenly beings above and below.
Afterward, everyone gathered in the open area beside Wat Sawang Arom’s crematorium. The temple arranged tables with savory and sweet foods and drinks for the deceased. Devotees were invited to write names and wishes on paper to be placed inside a coffin. The names written on papers placed in the urns were combined and also placed inside the coffin to perform the collective merit ceremony for the deceased. Monks chanted to dedicate merit to the departed souls so their spirits would receive blessings. After the ritual, the cremation ceremony proceeded with the placing of sandalwood flowers, burning of symbolic silver and gold papers, and finally cremating the coffin to dedicate merit to the souls, with many devotees attending.
Meanwhile, lottery players closely observed the coffin lid during the ceremony to find numbers for betting, believing that the departed who receive merit often bring luck. The number appearing on the coffin lid was 17, which lottery enthusiasts prepared to use for the 2 May 2026 lottery draw.