{
  "id": 115661,
  "title": "Doraemon replaces real cat in Thai rain ritual",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/doraemon-replaces-real-cat-in-thai-rain-ritual",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-04T03:22:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Khaosod English",
    "slug": "khaosod-english",
    "url": "https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2026/08/04/doraemon-replaces-real-cat-in-thai-rain-ritual/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Khon Kaen, a northeastern Thai province, witnessed an ancient rain-making ritual on August 4, 2026. The traditional ceremony, known as \"Hae Nang Maew,\" saw over 100 villagers in the Khon Chim subdistrict replace live cats with Doraemon and Chi dolls during the procession. This substitution came as a prolonged dry spell, lasting more than two months, threatened their rice crops, causing wilted plants and risking their overall yield. The villagers paraded the dolls through the community, covering more than 3 kilometers, while carrying fishing nets, traps, bamboo baskets containing fish, and farming equipment. They also splashed water over the dolls, joining hands in prayer for rain to alleviate the ongoing drought. The Khon Chim Subdistrict Administrative Organisation's Chaiwat Dokmaingam explained that Waeng Yai district had received minimal rainfall, with only brief, insufficient showers. Some farmers had replanted their rice fields multiple times, but the seeds failed due to the soil's dryness and hardness. Assistance from the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department was sought but couldn't be implemented due to unsuitable weather conditions. The district relies solely on rainfall and lacks an irrigation system for farming. This year, drought conditions stretched across several parts of Thailand, while others faced flooding. The Hae Nang Maew ceremony, a tradition among northeastern Thai communities, involves villagers parading and dancing to pray for rain, adapting over time to use dolls instead of live cats while preserving the cultural significance of the event.",
  "summary": "KHON KAEN — More than 100 villagers in northeastern Thailand have revived an ancient rain-making ritual, parading Chi and Doraemon dolls instead of real cats around their community as a prolonged dry spell threatens their rice crops. The traditional “Hae Nang Maew” ceremony was held on 4 August 2026 by residents of Khon Chim subdistrict […] The post Doraemon replaces real cat in Thai rain ritual…",
  "key_points": [
    "Khon Kaen province held \"Hae Nang Maew\" rain ritual on August 4, 2026.",
    "Villagers replaced live cats with Doraemon and Chi dolls in procession.",
    "Prolonged dry spell threatened rice crops and yield."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}