Rafael Nadal Makes Merit In Thailand

Rafael Nadal currently ranked No.1 in the ATP ranking is currently in Thailand to compete in the Thai Open which started on September 27.
He arrived earlier in the island resort of Hua Hin on September 21 for vacation.

On September 25, he got up as early as 6.00am to prepare himself to give food offerings to monks in front of Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort. He was accompanied by Poon, the wife of the President the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand who recommended him some traditional thai desserts to be given to the monks. When the passing monks arrived at the spot at 7.00am, Nadal guided by Poon and the monks , knelt down before them and gave food offerings, water and flowers to the monks. After the ritual, he returned to the hotel to pass the merits that he had gained from the offerings he made to the monks, on to his loved ones by pouring water.

Nadal is scheduled to be in Bangkok today and will meet the Prime Minister of Thailand, Abhisit Vejjajiva tomorrow before playing his first match ( in the 2nd round, was given a bye in the first round )on September 30. According to Poon, Nadal was happy after giving alms to the monks. According to Poon, Nadal was smiling happily throughout the food offerings and had followed the rituals involved correctly.