PATTAYA, Thailand – Mayor Poramet Ngamphichet led a procession of dignitaries, including members of the Pattaya City Council and the Pattaya City Manager, to Wat Tham Samakkhi for the annual “Boon Khao Saak” ceremony in the early morning light of September 29. This culturally rich event, steeped in the Isaan heritage, attracted a diverse crowd, signalling a collective embrace of age-old customs and the preservation of Isaan culture.
A collaborative effort between the Pattaya Municipality and the Isaan Association of Pattaya, the “Boon Khao Saak” ceremony aimed to provide Isaan residents in Pattaya a platform to engage in their cherished traditions. The serene grounds of Wat Tham Samakkhi served as the perfect backdrop for this sacred cultural observance.
The day’s proceedings commenced with the almsgiving ceremony for Buddhist monks at 7 a.m. This sacred ritual set the spiritual tone for a day filled with community togetherness. Following the almsgiving, a communal meal was offered to the monks, fostering a sense of shared devotion. At 8.30 a.m., the ceremony’s main event unfolded as Mayor Poramet Ngamphichet delivered his opening remarks. The focal point of the event was the traditional placing of offerings beneath the majestic shade of a Bodhi tree, symbolizing profound respect for religious and cultural heritage.
The ceremony featured a captivating procession, with cloth-wrapped trees paraded in symbolic unity, followed by the presentation of forest cloths, reinforcing respect for the environment. The “Boon Khao Saak” ceremony, observed annually on the 15th day of the 10th lunar month, is deeply ingrained in Isaan tradition. Participants bring a diverse array of offerings, meticulously wrapped in banana leaves, including, rice, fish, savoury and sweet dishes, fruits, and even cigarettes. These offerings, placed at the base of towering trees or on temple grounds, serve the dual purpose of making merit for departed relatives and offering charity to hungry animals without caregivers.
As the Isaan community in Pattaya gathered beneath the boughs of ancient trees, the “Boon Khao Saak” ceremony became not just a tradition but a vibrant tapestry weaving together spirituality, community, and a deep-rooted love for cultural heritage. In these moments, the echoes of Isaan resonated, bringing a profound connection to the past and a shared commitment to preserving the traditions for generations to come.
