Bangkok: The Department of Agricultural Extension held a ceremony on April 21, 2026, to pay homage to the plough in preparation for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony of 2026. The ceremony aimed to seek blessings and good fortune, marking the beginning of an important national tradition set to occur on May 12-13 at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram and Sanam Luang.

According to Thai News Agency, the ceremony took place at the plough storage building of the Department of Agricultural Extension, where Ms. Anchalee Suvajittanont, Director-General of the department, explained that the event was meant to honor Phra Phon Thep, the deity associated with ploughing. Mr. Winairoj Sapsongsook, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, led the ceremony with participation from executives, civil servants, and relevant officials.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony of 2026 is divided into two days, with May 12th dedicated to the Buddhist ceremony at the Ubosot of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, and May 13th reserved for the Brahmin ceremony at Sanam Luang, involving ploughing and sowing activities. Mr. Winaroj Thrapsongsuk will assume the role of Phraya Raek Na (Chief Ploughman), joined by Miss Chantisara Areesawet and Miss Apichaya Foosang carrying golden baskets, and Miss Pornchitra Chanjarern and Miss Saranya Thongkam with silver baskets, all of whom are civil servants under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

The plough, crafted in 1996 by dairy farmers from Nong Pho, Ratchaburi Province, and gifted to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is made of teak wood, lacquered, and gilded. It remains under the care of the Department of Agricultural Extension. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony holds historical significance, boosting farmers' morale and emphasizing the importance of agriculture to the country's food security, as it marks the beginning of the planting season.