Buddhist Lent is traditionally the period when young men enter the monkhood in a very moving and symbolic ceremony, and on Saturday afternoon, the ordination of  Mr. Apinan Thongsungnern was hosted by his parents at the Dragon Nine Guard Company, of which his father is owner.

During the ritual, the young man washes the feet and hands of his elders as a sign of respect and humility, and then has his head ceremonially shaved for the monkhood. After the more solemn activities, a parade took place along Sukhumvit Rd to Pattaya school No 2, where a delicious Chinese buffet had been prepared for the guests.

On Sunday morning, the novice monk was escorted to Wat Thammasamakki to participate in a religious ceremony with chanting to welcome him into the holy brotherhood. After this ritual, the family offered food to the monks to celebrate Khun Apinan’s ordination.

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