Suphan buri: Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Industry, performed the traditional Thai New Year's water pouring ceremony to seek blessings from Praphat Phothisuthon, a Member of Parliament for Suphan Buri and former Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The ceremony took place during the Songkran festival, the Thai New Year, at a traditional Thai-style house in Si Prachan District, Suphan Buri Province. Varawut praised Praphat as a trusted advisor to his father, Banharn, and a pillar of service to the people of Suphan Buri. In return, Praphat wished Varawut prosperity.
According to Thai News Agency, Varawut expressed gratitude to the community leaders, village headmen, and the people of Sri Prachan, acknowledging their support for Praphat. He emphasized the importance of gathering to receive blessings from respected elders and to perform the traditional water-pouring ceremony for the pillars of Suphan Buri. Varawut highlighted the strong bond between him and Praphat, likening it to the connection between uncle and nephew, which he believes is more significant than any position or location.
Varawut fondly referred to Praphat as a key figure under his father, Banharn, and described him as a sheltering banyan tree, providing strength and protection, particularly to the people in Sri Prachan district. He noted that despite the passage of time, Praphat remains unchanged, both in spirit and appearance. Varawut humorously remarked on Praphat's agelessness and unmarried status, speculating that Praphat might consider marriage in his later years.
During the ceremony, Varawut, as a grandson and a native of Suphan Buri, expressed his reverence for the elders and extended blessings to his grandsons and guests. He invoked the blessings of sacred entities in Suphan Buri, including Luang Pho To of Wat Pa Lelai Worawihan, the spirit of King Naresuan the Great, the City Pillar Shrine of Suphan Buri, and his father, Banharn, to grant Praphat strength, wisdom, and long life.
Praphat reciprocated the sentiments, highlighting the enduring bond and mutual support he shares with Varawut. He recalled their decades-long tradition of celebrating the New Year together and acknowledged the development of Suphan Buri since the time of Banharn. On this auspicious occasion of Songkran, Praphat wished everyone good fortune, health, stability, and wealth, expressing hopes for prosperity beyond imagination.