21/03/13…Pub locals help landlords ‘Thai’ the knot !

A group of locals from the Rising Sun Thai restaurant and pub in Thame, including the bride’s Parents, travelled to Thailand recently for the wedding of Jay Kansikam to Patsy Phanthamat.

The wedding took place on March 3, at a beach location in the Rayong area of Thailand. The experience made a lasting impression on Brian West, the Rising Sun’s regular pub quizmaster who described what happened: “The setting for the wedding was a veranda with a backdrop of a white sandy beach and the ceremony was traditional Thai. The bride and groom heads were joined by holy strings, which signified the joining of the two people.

“After the rings were exchanged, the couple were then blessed by the Buddhist Monks. There were nine of them, chanting for about 45 minutes. When this was finished, the congregation was requested to step forward and, in turn, take a bowl of rice and place a portion in each of the Monk?s bowls. It was only after the Monks had been fed and had left, that the congregation were allowed to eat their lunch.”

Finally, continued Brian: “The reception was held that evening with a meal, dancing and the setting off of Thai lanterns to ward off evil spirits.”

Now back in Thame, it’s business as usual at The Rising Sun, but the shared experience of Jay and Patsy’s wedding will no doubt be a talking point for the locals for some time to come.