People flocked to take photos with lotus flowers at the 700-Year Luang Pho Ngoen procession event held at Pak Nam Temple (Bung Sraphang) in 2026.
On 13 April 2026, the traditional procession event of the 700-Year Luang Pho Ngoen was opened, organized by Pak Nam Temple in cooperation with the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Cultural Office, Kut Lat Subdistrict Administrative Organization, local government, and Buddhist devotees of Kut Lat Subdistrict. The event, under the theme "Heat Month 5: Great Faith Bathing Ceremony of 700-Year Luang Pho Ngoen," marks the 54th year since the name of Luang Pho Ngoen was revealed from beneath the earth to widespread faith. The temple provided lotus flowers for attendees to take photos during the ceremony.
Ms. Panarat Khonkhayan, Ubon Ratchathani's Provincial Cultural Officer, stated that this year marks the first time the provincial cultural office has collaborated with Pak Nam Temple (Bung Sraphang) to organize the 700-Year Luang Pho Ngoen procession for 2026. The morning began with ritual offerings and the ceremonial procession bringing Luang Pho Ngoen from Wat Pa Phra Phikhaneesorn, the site where Luang Pho Ngoen was discovered near the Bung Sraphang beach access, to the village area near Pak Nam School and then to Pak Nam Temple.
“This event enjoys cooperation from all sectors, including government and private organizations, community leaders, and the people of Kut Lat Subdistrict, who have jointly organized it. This has enabled various activities such as bathing rituals to ask for blessings from the 700-Year Luang Pho Ngoen, water sprinkling to seek blessings for the elderly, traditional dances, ritual offerings, and the procession of the money tree. These activities have been passed down since 1972 and continue to the present day, spanning 54 years. The Luang Pho Ngoen procession has been held since 2008, totaling 18 years, to promote and support the preservation and continuation of local cultural traditions. It encourages Kut Lat residents to maintain Buddhist practices and promotes cultural tourism, preserving the community's valuable traditions and wisdom for the future.”
Ms. Panarat added that today Mr. Sorchai Krongyut, Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Secretary, acting on behalf of the governor, presided over the ceremony. Mr. Phatthapong Saraphat, Deputy Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Ubon Ratchathani, also attended the Luang Pho Ngoen procession ceremony. The Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Cultural Office plans to discuss incorporating the Luang Pho Ngoen procession, Pak Nam Temple, and Wat Pa Phra Phikhaneesorn—the discovery site of Luang Pho Ngoen—into the province's cultural tourism destinations.
Ms. Panarat also said, “A popular activity during today’s Luang Pho Ngoen procession ceremony was the atmosphere of people bringing lotus flowers to take photos alongside the 700-Year Luang Pho Ngoen procession, following a current popular trend.”