More than 5,000 Buddhist devotees from across the country gathered at Prachuap Bay to participate in the midnight alms-giving ceremony for Phra Upagupta, held at the only seaside shrine of its kind in Thailand.
At exactly 12:01 a.m. today (12 February), Buddhist devotees from all over Thailand convened at Saranwithi Bridge, along the Prachuap Bay promenade in Mueang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. They came together for the midnight alms-giving (Full Moon Wednesday) in observance of the Full Moon Wednesday tradition, which falls on the 15th day of the lunar month coinciding with a Wednesday. This year, the event took place on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, starting from 12:01 a.m.
Devotees from various provinces brought dry food and lined up to offer alms to a procession of 40 monks from different temples. The monks’ procession began from the centre of Saranwithi Bridge, passing in front of Phra Upagupta Shrine and covering a distance of over 500 metres. The event symbolically re-enacted the belief that Phra Upagupta emerges from the ocean’s navel to receive alms from humans. The ceremony was presided over by Kittipong Sukhpakul, Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
Other distinguished attendees included Prasoot Hombunterng, Mueang Prachuap District Chief; Kamol Kaewtate, Mayor of Prachuap Khiri Khan; Wanapha Kiatpongsa, Regional Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) for Central Thailand; Worrakan Thawon, Deputy Director of TAT Prachuap; Jirawan Bunrith, Deputy Director of TAT Prachuap; Anupap Poolsawat, Chairman of the Full Moon Wednesday Prachuap Group; Kritsana Phaesangchan, Prachuap Provincial Cultural Officer; and Chanwit Oonhasutthiyanon, Chairman of the Prachuap Provincial Cultural Council.
Spiritual activities leading up to the ceremony
Before the Phra Upagupta procession, various religious activities took place on the evening of 11 February 2025. These included chanting, meditation, spreading loving-kindness, Dhamma talks, traditional sermons, a performance featuring a Naga dance, and the ceremonial beating of the victory drum in honour of Phra Upagupta, all of which captivated both Thai and international visitors attending the event.
At exactly 12:01 a.m., a grand procession of 40 monks and novices began their alms round, starting from the centre of Saranwithi Bridge. Leading the procession was a traditional Mon ethnic group carrying a palanquin with an ancient statue of Phra Upagupta, symbolising his journey from the ocean’s navel to receive alms in the human world. It is widely believed that making merit on Full Moon Wednesday brings immense blessings. Along the 500-metre route, local residents and tourists stood in two orderly lines to offer alms.
Anupap Poolsawat, Chairman of the Full Moon Wednesday Prachuap Group, stated that this unique midnight alms-giving is regarded as the first hour of the day, or the very first morning, when Phra Upagupta is believed to bestow blessings. The deity is revered for subduing evil and bringing prosperity to businesses. Notably, this event is the only one of its kind in Thailand, taking place at a Phra Upagupta shrine facing eastwards towards the sea. According to Buddhist belief, devotees offering alms in front of the sea are symbolically welcoming Phra Upagupta as he rises from the ocean’s navel.
Each time the event is held, thousands of devotees from across Thailand bring dry food as alms to help sustain the Buddhist faith. This year, there will be two Full Moon Wednesdays aligning with a full moon—12 February and 5 November 2025—a rare occurrence. The event was organised by the Full Moon Wednesday Prachuap Group, Khon Tham Dee Foundation, TAT Prachuap, and Prachuap Khiri Khan Municipality.
A significant moment for Prachuap Khiri Khan’s tourism
Wanapha Kiatpongsa, TAT Regional Director for Central Thailand, described the event as a grand moment for Prachuap Khiri Khan in line with the “Amazing Thailand Grand Year” campaign. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) had already launched this initiative, and the event successfully impressed both domestic and international visitors. She also highlighted the uniqueness of Phra Upagupta Shrine at Prachuap Bay, which, unlike those in northern Thailand, directly faces the sea.
TAT sees this as an opportunity to connect faith-based tourism with Prachuap Khiri Khan’s well-known attractions, including the “Three Bays City”, which features renowned sightseeing spots, nine sacred pilgrimage routes, and local seafood specialities. These aspects continue to attract visitors, and on this night alone, nearly 10,000 people travelled from different provinces to participate in the event.
