Sacred oxen predict ‘abundant’ Thai harvest

Annual rite: Officials dressed in traditional attire presenting the oxen with a tray of food choices during the royal ploughing ceremony in Bangkok. — AP

Bangkok: Thai astrologers have predicted an “abundant” harvest after a pair of sacred white oxen munched on grass and rice, and slurped up water in an annual ritual watched by newly crowned King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The monarch, seated next to his new Queen Suthida, observed the “royal ploughing ceremony” symbolising Thailand’s fortunes yesterday.