Introducing the history "Winairoj Sapsongsuk" Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives "who serves as Phra Ya Raek Na" at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony 2026
On Wednesday, 13 May 2026, the event will be held "The Royal Ploughing Ceremony" This is an ancient royal ceremony, renowned for its beauty and great significance to the Thai people, especially those engaged in agriculture.
For the year 2026, the royal calendar has set the date for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, which combines two ceremonies: the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, a Buddhist rite marking the start of the event and considered "Farmers' Day," held at the ordination hall of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram. On this occasion, His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn will preside over the ceremony, performing the water pouring ritual and anointing, and presenting royal rings and the royal spear to Mr. Winairoj Sapsongsuk, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, who will act as Phra Ya Raek Na.
The following day features the Royal First Ploughing Ceremony (the sowing day), a Brahmin ritual, which will take place on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, with the auspicious sowing time between 08:09 and 08:39 at the ceremonial ground in Sanam Luang.
Mr. Winairoj Sapsongsuk was born on 22 December 1965, son of Mr. Withoon Sapsongsuk and Mrs. Lantum Sapsongsuk. He is married to Mrs. Patrasas Sapsongsuk.
Educational background
1986: Bachelor of Political Science (Public Administration), Thammasat University
1992: Master of Public Administration, National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA)
2009: Doctor of Public Administration, Suan Dusit Rajabhat University
Work history
1987: Began civil service as Community Development Officer 3, Department of Community Development
2007: Director of Inspection and Government Coordination Division, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
2008: Chief of Minister's Office, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
2009: Deputy Director of the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards
2012: Inspector General, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
2013: Director-General, Department of Cooperative Auditing
2015: Director-General, Department of Cooperative Promotion
2017: Secretary-General, Office of Agricultural Economics
2018: Secretary-General, Office of Agricultural Land Reform
2024: Director-General, Department of Cooperative Auditing
1 October 2025 - Present: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
Royal decorations
2022: Knight Grand Cordon (Special Class) of the Order of the White Elephant
2015: Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Order of the Crown of Thailand
2012: Chakrabarti Mala Medal
2012: Knight Commander (Second Class) of the Order of the White Elephant
2009: Knight Commander (Second Class) of the Order of the Crown of Thailand.
Information courtesy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives