Lottery devotees gathered to observe the 'lucky numbers' on a 100-year-old sandalwood carving of Thao Wessuwan during the merit-making ceremony dedicated to Luang Pho Thongkham at Wat Tha Thong, marking the 21st anniversary of his death, hoping to try their luck.
At 10:00 a.m. on 25 Aug 2026 GMT+7, a merit-making ceremony was held at the Phra Nimman Kowit pavilion, Wat Tha Thong, Wang Kha Phi Subdistrict, Mueang District, Uttaradit Province. The event honored the 21st death anniversary of Phra Nimman Kowit, also known as Luang Pu Thong Dam Thitawanno, a renowned Northern monk, former advisor to the Mueang Uttaradit district ecclesiastical committee, and former abbot of Wat Tha Thong. The ceremony was led by Phra Kru Wirun Suwandit (Phra Ajarn Sombat Kantathammo) as the monk chairman, and Mr. Bawon Thapwaeo as the lay chairman.
The event included chanting of Buddhist scriptures and offering midday meals to monks and novices amid an atmosphere of deep faith. Devotees also set up a free food stall to distribute meals to attendees, collectively making merit dedicated to Luang Pu Thong Dam on the 21st anniversary of his passing on 25 August.
Meanwhile, lottery hopefuls did not miss the chance to observe the incense stick numbers displayed before the 100-year-old sandalwood carving of Thao Wessuwan. The three-digit numbers seen were 916, 579, and 674, while the two-digit numbers were 16, 79, and 74.
Luang Pu Thong Dam Thitawanno was a revered ariya monk honored as a 'Monk of Five Reigns.' He lived to the age of 107 and observed 85 Buddhist Lent seasons. He was an adopted son of Luang Pho Ngern of Wat Bang Klan and spent his entire monastic life at Wat Tha Thong. He passed away in 2005 but remains widely respected and venerated by Buddhists to this day.
