Crowds pack temple where Moo Paa footballers prepare for their ordination

CHIANG RAI, July 24 (TNA) -- Huge crowds gathered at Wat Phra That Doi Wao where 11 young footballers and their coach of the Moo Paa football team showed up to prepare for their ordination. The vehicles that were not involved in the ordination were blocked from visiting the packed Buddhist temple in Wiang Phang Kham sub-district of Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai province. The people who wanted to witness relevant ceremonies were told to walk to the temple. The boys and coach Ekkaphol Chanthawong as well as their families arrived at the temple in the morning. They worshipped the Phra That Doi Wao pagoda and holy spirits. Their head-shaving ceremony was set in the evening and their ordination would occur at Wat Phra That Doi Tung tomorrow. The ordination was aimed at expressing gratitude towards His Majesty the King who had supported the rescue operation at Tham Luang cave in Mae Sai and towards Sqn Ldr Samarn Gunan who died in the rescue mission. After their ordination, the 12 people will stay at Wat Phra That Doi Wao from July 26 to Aug 3. Adul Sam-on, a member of the Moo Paa football club, is Christian. He will pray and seek blessings for the family of Sqn Ldr Samarn. (TNA)