Lottery enthusiasts observed "lucky numbers" Wat Thern Phlay in Suphanburi province held a traditional event "Carrying Luang Pho Dam into the Tha Chin River" Sharp-eyed attendees flocked to observe firecracker tail numbers, hoping to use them for the 1 Aug 2026 lottery draw
On 25 July 2026 at Wat Thern Phlay, Wang Nam Sub subdistrict, Si Prachan district, Suphanburi province, Phra Kru Phisutthiratnaporn, abbot of Wat Thern Phlay, along with the temple committee, invited Buddhists to join a local cultural and traditional event "Ceremony of carrying Luang Pho Dam into the Tha Chin River" to mark the Buddhist Lent festival, along with the annual gold leaf offering to the "Five Luang Pho" from 25–29 July 2026
During the event, attendees paid respects to the Five Luang Pho statues: Luang Pho To, Luang Pho Dam, Luang Pho Sothon, Luang Pho Wat Rai Khing, and Luang Pho Si Chomphu, marking the temple's major annual merit event during Buddhist Lent
Mr. Udom Prongfa, President of the Suphanburi Provincial Administrative Organization, presided over the opening ceremony and participated in carrying the image of Luang Pho Dam from the viharn amid a parade and traditional dances to the riverbank of the Tha Chin River
Then, three temple committee members performed the ritual of carrying Luang Pho Dam to bathe in the Tha Chin River, dipping the statue into the water three times following an ancient tradition. The ceremony's president and attendees scattered flowers as a Buddhist offering before returning Luang Pho Dam to the ceremonial hall for worship throughout the Buddhist Lent festival.
The ceremony of carrying the Buddha statue into the water is the only such tradition continuously preserved in Suphanburi province. Locals believe the ritual cleanses bad luck and misfortune, carried away by the river's current, and brings auspiciousness, prosperity, good fortune, and fulfilled wishes.
After the ceremony, 10,000 firecrackers were set off for good luck at the event's opening. The firecracker tail numbers displayed were 37 and 216, which attendees and devotees took as guides for the 1 August 2026 government lottery draw.
Additionally, Phra Kru Phisutthiratnaporn, abbot of Wat Thern Phlay, distributed 100 bags of rice, each weighing 5 kilograms, to attendees to help alleviate living costs and boost morale.
Phra Kru Phisutthiratnaporn said Luang Pho Dam is a sacred Buddha statue and a symbol of the Wat Thern Phlay community, over 300 years old, built during the Ayutthaya period and enshrined in the old viharn for a long time.
The ceremony of carrying Luang Pho Dam into the Tha Chin River aims to preserve this valuable tradition and allow people to cleanse misfortune and invite blessings. It is believed this will bring peace and prosperity to the country, success in occupations, abundant agricultural yields, timely rains, and fulfillment of participants' wishes.
