The prayer hall is hot and sticky. Thousands of mosquitoes swirl around in the dim afternoon light. A small crowd of old ladies and children sit on the rough carpet in the temple hall, whispering, full of expectation. They are waiting for the monastery’s former abbot, Luang Phoo, to make his annual appearance.

‘Luang Phoo’ is an affectionate term, meaning grandfather. But Luang Phoo is no ordinary monk and this is no ordinary day.

Phra Somchai is in charge of the ceremony. He directs his fellow monks to gently lift Luang Phoo Budda Thawaro.

The monks pull and heave; the wooden chairs they stand on wobble precariously.