It was a solemn day in Nongprue. Four monks had come to pray with a bereaved Suthee Thupthim and his mourning family.
Their beloved water buffalo, Jao Saen, had died.
The 53-year-old homeowner held a full funeral for the 20-year-old bull, draping the animal in holy cloth. It was laid in a five-meter deep grave about four meters long and two wide. Deputy Nongprue Secretary Lt. Pramod Thupthim was there to give it the official approbation.
Family and friends gather around to say their final goodbyes to Jao Saen, their beloved water buffalo.
Suthee said he bought Jao Saen last year after its mother was killed and the water buffalo was sick. He nursed it back to health with food and milk and it was then he realized how smart the animal was, he said. It was an obedient creature and seemed attached to Suthee as well, often following him around as he did errands.
The two, he said, shared a bond and he made merit with a ceremony after the ox died in hopes they might one day meet again.
