The som maa ritual is a traditional ritual of the ethnic Lao, and it is at the same time a Buddhist ritual as well. This ritual is carried out on occasion of asking for forgiving, for educational purposes, well-wishing ceremonies, and a formal promise for good behavior in the future, which is made in the ritual context of the som maa. This article presents the several occassions for carrying out a som maa ritual, and the regulations for that ritual as well.