The 12 young footballers and their assistant coach rescued from Tham Luang Cave underwent a “life-prolonging ritual” at a temple on Thursday morning intended to lift their morale and that of their families.
Phra Khruba Saengla Thammasiri, abbot of Wat Phra That Sai Muang in the Myanmar border town of Tachilek, performed the ceremony at Wat Phra That Doi Wao in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district.
The traditional northern rite is performed to ensure that people or locales enjoy long, secure and prosperous lives.
It is said to lift the spirits of individuals and residents so they can continue to be productive members of society.
Thanawuth Wibulrungreung, whose son Chanin “Titan” Wibulrungreung was among those saved, said all the boys’ parents had agreed they should be ordained as novices this month to make further merit for Saman.
Thanawuth said Titan, who he described as diligent, with moderate academic results and passion for football, had asked for an omelette when he first returned home.
He said the family was taking good care of the boy and was closely monitoring his mental and emotional condition.
