Day 8, Wed
Final round of fangirling!
Observe a blessing ceremony @ Pratunum Sky Bridge
My moot invited me to a blessing ceremony for an upcoming drama series. In Thailand, the ceremony called buang suang, is done by film and drama crews before a series airs or starts production to pray for good ratings and popularity.
Fans came to support the producers and actors who looked stunning even in simple t-shirts. It was fun seeing the actors up close with their usual top-notch fan service.
Interestingly, shrines can be set up in common places, not just temples, so many ceremonies happen in the city. I was lucky because it was right outside MBK in the morning, so I could squeeze a visit before heading to the airport.
It was a sight to behold, with offerings like burning joss sticks, a pig’s head, Thai desserts, fruits, boiled eggs, and the script presented on golden trays2. The ritual usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and there could be media interviews with the cast after. They might catch up with fans afterwards.
Meeting Kokoro by chance?!
I probably used up all my luck on this trip, because I actually bumped into PYSCHIC FEVER’s Kokoro at the same place during the ceremony. I never thought I’d coincidentally meet a celebrity on the street, especially my oshi! He was still in town after Summer Sonic Bangkok for a few more events, and was there to take some media shots. I chatted with him for a while and took photos. My heart was extremely overwhelmed at that point of time but oh my gosh, truly ended the trip on a high note.
Suvarnabhumi Airport
And so, we’re finally back at the airport. Started with 11kg baggage, but ended up with 26kg of happiness. Immigration was super quick and efficient, giving us time to explore the terminal shops. Could you believe I had my first mango sticky rice only on the last day?!
Overall, I’ve had such a great experience in Bangkok, and everyone I met was friendly and nice.
This itinerary was jam-packed and even spilled into the next day, but I barely scratched the surface of Bangkok! Guess I’ll have to come back.
See you again, Bangkok!
- https://www.lifestyleasia.com/bk/culture/5-things-bangkok-neilson-hays-library/ ↩︎
- The pig’s head signifies solidarity and success as a team, apples and Chinese pears bring financial luck, a pineapple (with its many “eyes”) means there will be viewers from all directions, and the boiled eggs mean never-ending success. The golden desserts are believed to bring wealth.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/726736/the-new-brahmins ↩︎
Uminsummer 