A Brahmin priest and local politicians from Samut Prakan took part in a foundation stone ceremony today for the 139 metre high Paknam Tower. The ceremony took place at exactly 2.19 p.m. this afternoon. In Thai culture, the number nine is regarded to be auspicious as it sounds like the Thai word for “progress”. Nine Thai monks were also invited to the ceremony. Nine sticks of nine different kinds of wood were first hammered into the fine grain sand. Then nine bricks made of gold, silver and alloy were laid in a pattern. Next, the foundation stone, containing the horoscope of the building, was placed on top. Then coins and flowers were scattered on top by each of the dignitaries. The Paknam Tower is due to be completed during 2009. It will have a viewing platform, restaurant, museum, library and OTOP shops. (Richard Barrow/ThaiPhotoBlogs.com)

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