FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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In Chiang Rai, a pious show of gratitude

In Chiang Rai, a pious show of gratitude

Eleven of the boys rescued from the Chiang Mai cave and their assistant coach participated in a Buddhist ritual on Tuesday morning honouring the cave’s resident Phra That Doi Wao spirit.

In the afternoon they were to have their heads ritually shaved and undergo a Naga “baisri soo-kwan” blessing ceremony at Wat Phra That Doi Wao in Mae Sai district.
Their teammate Adul Samon, 14, as a Christian, did not plan to attend the ceremonies.
The 11 boys are to be ordained as novices and the coach as a monk at Wat Phra That Doi Tung on Wednesday morning and remain there overnight, then live at Wat Phra That Doi Wao for another eight days observing the dharma.
Mae Sai resident Nonglak Khammona, who was among several hundred people attending Tuesday’s spirit-worship ritual, brought 100 pouches filled with coins for the 12 “Naga” being ordained so they could distribute them to others to earn merit.
She said she hoped the boys and the coach learned and practised the dhamma well to make merit for Saman Kunan, the ex-Navy SEAL who died during the cave rescue mission.
“When the team members repay the one who sacrificed his life so they could live, their lives will be better,” she said.
Sangkhom Phetchkao, who works for a Chiang Rai rescue foundation, was pleased to see the boys and the coach getting ordained in gratitude for their return to safety and so many people showing up to witness the morning’s merit-making event.

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