Culture
Unusual Banana Tree Discovery Draws Crowds in Kamphaeng Phet
Locals in Kamphaeng Phet are gathering at Wat Ban Rai Kao to observe a rare banana tree sprouting a blossom from its trunk, with many seeking lucky numbers for upcoming lotteries.
On August 31, 2026, residents near Wat Ban Rai Kao (Jampa Thong) in Thep Nakhon, Kamphaeng Phet, reported a unique botanical discovery. A banana tree, previously thought to have been cleared during temple landscaping, has regrown with an unusual appearance: a blossom (heart) emerging from the middle of the trunk rather than the top, accompanied by three distinct, spreading bracts.
According to Khaosod Online, visitors have flocked to the site, with some identifying the plant as a rare 'cliff banana' (Kluay Pha), often associated with auspiciousness and good fortune. In line with local traditions, attendees have tied three-colored cloths around the trunk and burned incense to divine lottery numbers. The incense sticks revealed the number 212, while others interpreted the three bracts and single blossom as the number 13. Participants have pledged to donate any potential lottery winnings toward the ongoing construction of the temple’s ordination hall.
For travelers or residents, this event highlights the deep-rooted cultural practice of seeking omens in nature within rural Thai communities. While the tree’s appearance is visually striking, it remains to be confirmed whether the plant is indeed a rare species or a mutation of a common banana variety. Visitors are reminded that such gatherings are local cultural expressions and should be approached with respect for the temple grounds.