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Event Date: 15th day of the waxing moon, 12th lunar month (Full Moon of the 12th Lunar Month)

Time: Afternoon until evening, held alongside the Loy Krathong Festival

 

Thod Pha Pa Nam Pheng Tradition, Ban Phai Dam, Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao Province, is a distinctive local tradition of eastern Thailand’s riverine communities. It is held on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, the same evening as Loy Krathong. “Nam Pheng” refers to the water illuminated by the bright full moon reflecting beautifully on the river’s surface. This tradition harmoniously blends Buddhism, water-related beliefs, and the traditional riverside lifestyle of Ban Phai Dam.

 

History of Ban Phai Dam Community Ban Phai Dam is located in the lowland river basin of Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao Province. Historically, it was an agricultural community that relied heavily on canals and waterways for transportation. The name “Phai Dam” (Black Bamboo) is believed to originate from the dense bamboo groves that once lined the canals, particularly bamboo varieties with darker stems. The settlement began with farmers and orchard growers who cultivated rice fields and fruit gardens along the waterways during the early Rattanakosin period.

 

According to local elders, boats were once the primary mode of transportation for traveling to temples, markets, and neighboring communities. Religious and social gatherings were therefore closely connected to waterways. The Thod Pha Pa Nam Pheng tradition emerged from this river-based way of life, using boats as a medium for almsgiving and communal merit-making.

 

Significance of the Tradition The primary purpose of Thod Pha Pa Nam Pheng is to encourage collective merit-making during Loy Krathong and to cultivate the spirit of generosity. Villagers paddle boats along the canal in the afternoon to collect donations such as money, rice, dry food, and daily necessities. This activity fosters interaction among neighbors and strengthens community bonds.

 

Ritual Sequence In the afternoon of the full moon day, villagers prepare boats to gather donations. Once collected, the offerings are beautifully arranged on the “Pha Pa Boat” or “Main Offering Boat,” which carries the robe bundle and donated items.

 

At sunset, when the full moon rises above the treeline, the boat procession begins. Paddle boats and rowing boats escort the main offering boat toward local temples. The sight of boats gliding under the moonlight creates a sacred and serene atmosphere. Offerings are presented at temple halls before the procession returns to Wat Phai Dam, the final temple of the ceremony.

 

During the return journey, villagers participate in a playful tug-of-war with the main offering boat in the middle of the canal, creating joyful laughter and excitement. After the robe offering ceremony concludes at Wat Phai Dam, a friendly boat rowing competition is held in front of the temple, showcasing strength, unity, and teamwork within the community.

 

Cultural Analysis of the Eastern River Basin This tradition reflects the kinship-based social structure of agricultural communities in eastern Thailand’s river basin. The use of boats as the central element demonstrates local wisdom aligned with geographic conditions. Offering robes on water symbolizes the inseparable connection between faith and the river, which has long sustained life in the region.

 

Religiously, choosing the full moon of the 12th lunar month — Loy Krathong night — represents both Buddhist merit-making and the traditional act of paying respect to the Goddess of Water. Combining robe offering with this sacred night creates a layered spiritual meaning that integrates faith, gratitude, and purification.

 

Getting There Ban Phai Dam is located in Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao Province. Visitors can travel from Bangkok via Suwinthawong Road, taking approximately 1–1.5 hours. Extra travel time is recommended during the festival due to increased visitor numbers.

 

 

A: It is held annually on the 15th day of the waxing moon in the 12th lunar month.

 

A: It refers to water illuminated by the full moon on the 12th lunar month.

 

A: It is the main boat carrying the robe bundle and donated offerings for the temple.

 

A: Tug-of-war with the offering boat and a rowing competition in front of Wat Phai Dam.

 

A: To promote generosity, merit-making, and unity within the river-based community.