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Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Thailand

Royal Ploughing Ceremony 2024, 2025 and 2026 in Thailand

In Thailand, the annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony is a special day where a symbolic rice planting takes place, which is supposed to help guarantee a good harvest in the year to come.

YearDateDayHoliday
20246 MayMonRoyal Ploughing Ceremony *
20259 MayFriRoyal Ploughing Ceremony *
202611 MayMonRoyal Ploughing Ceremony *
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

Note: Royal Ploughing Ceremony is observed by the Government sector only.

Both Buddhist and Hindu Brahmin ceremonies are involved in the Thai festival, where monks from each religion bless the planting. The field and public square called “Sanam Luang”, in the centre of historic Bangkok and right in front of the royal palace, is the place where the ceremony is held. Sometimes, the king of Thailand himself will take part.

The royal planting occurs at the outset of rice-growing season and involves two sacred oxen pulling a decorative plough, while traditionally costumed men accompany and plant rice in the furrow. The oxen is also fed rice, grass, other foods, and given rice-whiskey to drink.

Based on what the oxen choose to eat when given multiple foods to choose from, astrologers then predict if it’s going to be a good rice-growing season ahead.

Previous Years

YearDateDayHoliday
202311 MayThuRoyal Ploughing Ceremony *
202213 MayFriRoyal Ploughing Ceremony *
202110 MayMonRoyal Ploughing Ceremony *
202011 MayMonRoyal Ploughing Ceremony *
20199 MayThuRoyal Ploughing Ceremony *
201814 MayMonRoyal Ploughing Ceremony *
201712 MayFriRoyal Ploughing Ceremony *