Ancient Takian tree unearthed in Phetchabun sparks lottery frenzy
A giant ancient Takian tree, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, was unearthed by an excavator in Phetchabun province during the expansion of a large water reservoir.
The discovery attracted significant local interest, with a medium conducting a ceremonial invitation, naming the tree spirit Chao Mae Ngam Thong, and sparking a search for lucky numbers.
Yesterday, April 22, villagers from Ban Rai Fai, Mueang subdistrict, Wichian Buri district, gathered at the excavation site, bringing offerings such as incense, candles, flowers, and fruit to pay respects to the tree. The medium, who led the ceremony, claimed the tree spirit revealed its name and age.
Residents, intrigued by the discovery, flocked to the site, hoping for good fortune by rubbing powder on the tree to find auspicious numbers.
The excavation was part of a provincial water authority project to expand a reservoir, ensuring an adequate water supply during droughts.
The excavator operator discovered the massive Takian tree trunk buried 5 to 6 metres underground. Initial examinations revealed it to be a large Takian tree with a circumference of 4.8 metres and a length of 27.8 metres. A crane was used to lift the trunk, a process that took five hours.
Decha Janboonsri, the village chief of Ban Rai Fai, explained that the regional water authority had informed him about the discovery, prompting a consultation with the local abbot. The abbot decided to relocate the tree to Wat Rai Fai temple.
Decha recounted that an elderly villager, 86 year old Uncle Dam, remembered seeing the tree standing when he was around 15 years old, suggesting it had been around for about 70 years since it fell.
The water authority used cranes and excavators to transport the tree to the temple, as its removal was essential for the reservoir’s completion. The event generated excitement among locals, particularly due to the potential lucky numbers associated with the tree spirit, Chao Mae Ngam Thong, reported KhaoSod.
Following the ceremony, the crane lifted the tree onto a trailer, and villagers eagerly searched for numbers. Many reported seeing the numbers 542 and 54, matching those from the incense lit by the medium. Others noted the crane’s registration number, using it to buy lottery tickets from vendors at the site.
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