It was just another delectable family dinner, as Sethapong Sivavong and his family tucked into a seafood feast. Little did they know, the meal they were going to partake in, at their home in 5/4 Buasali, Mae Lao, in Chiang Rai, was going to be one for the records.
Earlier that day, Sethapong’s wife and daughter had brought home the catch of the day from a widely recognized local market in downtown Chiang Rai, their shopping basket brimming with clams. The clams were to be the centrepiece of their evening meal, a family tradition they cherished. But tucked within the gastronomic treat was an unexpected gift – a pearl!
As the Sivavong family began their meal, one clam held a surprise that left them in shock and delight. Within the shell of this ordinary, market-bought clam, was a beautiful, white bead-like structure. Measuring almost one centimeter, it had the iridescent glow and captivating beauty that are typical of pearls.
Sethapong, intrigued by the resemblance this object bore to a melo pearl, held it up to the light and inspected it further. He felt the unexpected heft and hardness of it within his hand, and his suspicion turned into thrilling speculation. Could this object be a genuine pearl? The mood at the dining table shifted from disbelief to euphoria, as the family contemplated the possibility.
However, uncharted territory as it was, they couldn’t be sure about the value or authenticity of their find. So, the pearl, or the possible pearl, was dutifully stored away in a safe, in a royal blue box, awaiting confirmation of its identity and worth from the Chiang Mai Gem Testing Laboratory (CGT LAB), a step already in motion, as reported by Sanook.
Ironically, just a few days before this uncanny discovery, the Sivavong family had paid a visit to the Wat Saeng Kaew Photiyan in Mae Suay, Chiang Rai. This famous sanctum, inhabited by the renowned Northern monk, Arijchat Ariyachitto, was their destination for seeking blessings for happiness and prosperity. Little did they realize their prayer was going to be answered so promptly and in such an intriguing manner.
The unsuspecting seafood meal, comprised of the standard fare of shrimps, squids, and clams, led to the unexpected finding of the potential pearl. Reluctantly, Sethapong admitted that indeed there have been instances of similar discoveries in the past, albeit with smaller bead-like structures. But considering the large size of this object, measuring a magnificent one centimetre, anticipation and curiosity abound within the Sivavong household and far beyond.
The pearl’s confirmation, whether it truly is one, still remains to be seen, and until the test results arrive, the Sivavong family holds its collective breath. This couldn’t have been just blind luck; it was indeed a beautiful blessing, an answer to a prayer made from the heart. For more news updates like this, immerse yourself in The Thaiger’s latest stories on our Facebook page, linked HERE.
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