Staff Writer
Seeking a favor from the spirits in order to fulfill a wish is a common practice among Thai people. If the wish comes true, offerings should be made to the spirits as a form of appreciation. These offerings are usually made in the form of flowers, carved animal dolls, human figurines, food, or the performance of traditional dances.
But for those seeking a favor from Luangpor Sassada ('Venerable father' Sassada), the most revered Buddha image among people living within Bangkok Noi district's Banbu community, a more specific token of appreciation is offered. This takes place at the temple of Wat Suwannaram, which is where the image is housed.
 “We believe that Luangpor liked to ride horses so those people who ask him to fulfill their wishes have to offer Luangpor a horse ride once their requests are granted,” said Sunan Ratanapongthara, a senior member of the Banbu community committee.
Locals believe that the image of Luangpor Sassada in the temple's ubosot ('ordination hall') is not only a symbol of the Lord Buddha, but also possesses supernatural powers. Sunan says that as a form of repayment to Luangpor, an individual should act like a horse, and complete three laps around the outside of the ubosot while making high-pitched 'neighing' sounds (the sound is 'hee hee' in Thai) while carrying this out.
Fortunately, the community has organized a way of helping such folks to carry this out as many of them may not be able to run, or may be too embarrassed to do so. It should be noted that the temple also attracts numerous people from across the country seeking Luangpor's divine intervention.
The Banbu community is a close-knit one, which boasts a rich sense of history and tradition. Generation after generation of its residents have passed down their various beliefs and traditional practices, allowing them to survive to this day.
One incredibly unique tradition, which is extremely useful for those seeking help from the Luangpor, is what is termed as 'human horse running'. Sanan says she can remember this being performed since she was a very young girl.
For decades, people who wish to express their thanks to the Luangpor have sought someone to carry out the human-horse running for them. So Sanan has devised a useful network of about 20 children, aged from 4-19, to carry out the performance in exchange for some useful 'pocket money'. Sunan said she has been responsible for coordinating this service now for several decades.
The network serves as a practical solution for those visiting the temple to express their thanks to the Luangpor, while helping the children to earn some cash by performing in the ubosot, Sunan says. Every child gets the chance to perform about two to three times a month, according to Sunan.
Seven-year-old Tonkhoa Banyen said she joined the network when she was five years old, adding that she really enjoys it.
“I spend the money I earn at school on sweets and snacks,” she says.
|
|
Tonkhoa says she and her friends in the neighborhood are generally free
at the weekends, but there are other opportunities also when they can
perform this unique form of offering. Since the homes in the area are
built quite close together, everyone tends to be able to get in touch
with other people fairly easily.
Each performance usually involves between three and five 'horses', or as many as the offerer pledged to Luangpor.
Clad in colorful traditional outfits, the children begin by sitting on
their knees in front of the ubosot to pay homage to the Luangpor.
Each child carries a pha khao ma between their legs. The pha khao ma is
a form of multi-functional checkerboard-patterned cloth often used as a
kind of sash among Thai men. The last of these three words - ma – is
the Thai word for horse. Each person who makes use of one of the
children must also provide him or her with some clothes and flowers.
When they're ready, the children can then set off on their three laps, impersonating the sound of a horse.
“We believe that Luangpor rides on the back of each of them,” Sunan
says, adding that the mysterious, invisible being has the power to
divide himself
between each of the participants.
Eight-year-old Tan Panthong says she felt a heavy load on her back
while running and was told by some adults that this was Luangpor.
“I'm not afraid of him, I just run,” she says.
Once they receive their payment, the children tend to head off to see
some nearby vendors to treat themselves to an ice cream or can of soda.
As well as the financial reward, the children enjoy seeing themselves
in newspapers, magazines, or on television programs, since this
activity is often covered as an interesting form of 'community tourism'
in the Thai capital.
Sunan says members of the community are proud of this traditional
activity. She says she is certain that future generations will also
become well versed in it, allowing it to continue for many years to
come.
|
Life in Thailand 
Life in Thailand
Thai ways of living - be it countryside or city - have their own distinct styles, rhythms and habits. The kingdom, and especially Bangkok, is also home to an interesting variety of locals and expatriates. Learn about the views and lives of local and expatriate communities, in addition to helpful tips for those exploring and living a Life in Thailand.
contact 
sitemap
advertise with us
