Superstitious locals hold frog weddings in Thailand

Superstitious villagers held a symbolic wedding ceremony between two bullfrogs as they vowed to protect a local forest in Thailand.

Thousands of residents in 12 villages in northeastern Chaiyaphum province celebrated the union, led by provincial governor Anan Nakniyom, on July 10.

As with a traditional Thai wedding for humans, the 'groom' bullfrog, Thao Kham Luang from Laos, made the wedding procession across the Phu Kratae community forest to propose to the 'bride' bullfrog, Aeum from Thailand.

The groom also had to present a dowry - 50 million baht in fake cash, numerous fake gold bars, and tens of thousands of baht in real money to be donated into the forest funds - and pass through symbolic silver and gold doors to prove he is worthy of his wife.

Though no romantic kiss was shared at an altar, the reptilian couple were joined in a traditional ceremony, with sacred threads linking them together.

A giant marriage certificate was then signed by the governor to conclude the wedding.

The ceremony was held to create environmental awareness for the Phu Kratae community forest - a sprawling 6,700-rai area of land that has deteriorated over the decades.

The forest was once abundant with bullfrogs, which were a key ingredient in local cuisine, but their population has dwindled.

In an effort to rejuvenate the ecosystem, locals and community leaders also released bullfrogs, toads, turtles, and eels, back into the wild. 

The woodlands were designated an animal sanctuary where hunting is prohibited.

Governor Anan Nakniyom said it was the eighth such wedding held in Chaiyaphum.