Buriram: Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, took part in a superstitious ceremony involving the application of gold leaf to a significant pillar associated with the party. Anutin received an auspicious orange from Newin Charnvirakul, the president of Buriram United Football Club, symbolizing good fortune.

According to Thai News Agency, Anutin's involvement in the event was marked by the placement of gold leaf under the 37th pillar of the Bhumjaithai Party, a number regarded as lucky by the villagers and party members. The ceremony, which took place at the monument of King Phutthayodfa Chulalok (Rama I) in Mueang District, Buriram Province, was overseen by Anutin and featured traditional Thai offerings to monks.

During the event, Newin Chidchob, a prominent figure within the ceremony, sat beneath a nine-tiered silver umbrella at pillar number 37, aligning with the party-list candidate number drawn the previous day. Newin highlighted the significance of the 360 silver umbrellas surrounding the statue of King Rama I, which were meant to bring peace and prosperity to the Thai people. The selected date for the ceremony, December 29th, was notable for its alignment with Thailand's victory over Cambodia.

Anutin, accompanied by several Bhumjaithai Party candidates, including Ms. Traisulee Traisaranakul, engaged in the ritual with a light-hearted demeanor. After applying beeswax and gold leaf to pillar number 37, Anutin recited a Buddhist prayer and shared a moment of humor with Newin when offered an orange. The exchange, which included playful banter about the sweetness of the orange and its seeds, underscored the informal tone of the ceremony.

The event underscored Anutin's belief in the auspicious nature of the number 37, supported by the villagers' choice, and highlighted the party's symbolic use of traditional practices to foster unity and good fortune.