Royal Barge

Nation
Royal Barge Procession a spectacle not to be missed

Published on June 2, 2006




The highlight of the celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne will be the Royal Barge Procession on June 12.

This spectacular procession of the royal barges along the Chao Phya River will be witnessed by the kings, queens and royal representatives of 26 countries, along with Thais and people from all around the world.

It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you should not miss.


The

Royal Barge Procession will start at Vasukri Pier, near the National Library, and end at the Temple of Dawn.

A total of 52 barges will take part in the procession, formed into five contingents.

The four most important barges are Suphanahong, Ananta Nakharaj, Narai Songsuban of Rama IX, and Anekachart Phuchong.

The entire procession will be 1.

2 kilometres long and 90 metres wide, with 2,200 oarsmen.

Truly a part of our cultural heritage, the Royal Barge Procession is the only one of its kind in the world.

In the old days, the Royal Barge Procession reflected the military might of the Ayutthaya kings.

King Naresuan the Great, in one of his tireless military campaigns, travelled in a procession of royal barges to wage war in Burma's Moulemein.

King Narai the Great, who preferred Lop Buri to Ayutthaya as his capital, also travelled in the Royal Barge Procession to visit various outposts in his kingdom.

King Narai's Royal Barge Procession came to be known as the "Phetch Phuang Procession".


Other Ayutthaya kings also travelled by royal barge to pay respects to the Buddha's Footprint in Saraburi during the Royal Kathin Ceremony.

All Thai children know from their schoolbooks about the tragic yet heroic act of Phanthai Norasingh.

Legend has it that during the reign of Phrachao Sua, there was an able captain of the king's barge named Phanthai Norasingh.

His job was to stay at the stern of the barge to control the tiller and guide the rhythm of the oarsmen.

One day, the barge was travelling on a very treacherous river and the captain could not control it.

The bow of the barge struck a tree branch and broke.


Ancient tradition prescribed severe punishment - execution - for a captain who caused damage to the royal barge.

In this particular case, Phrachao Sua did not want to punish Phanthai because he understood that the accident was beyond anybody's control.

But Phanthai insisted that he be punished in order to maintain tradition.

He was executed by beheading.


Later on, the Royal Barge Procession was held largely during royal ceremonies as battles on water had become less significant.

During the Rattanakosin Period King Yodfa, or King Rama I, took part in the Royal Barge Procession in the first year of his reign in 1782 when he travelled to Wat Bangwahyai and Wat Hong to attend the Royal Kathin Ceremony.


The

re have been 14 Royal Barge Processions in the reign of the present King Rama IX.

The first was held in 1957 to coincide with 2,500 years of Buddhism.

The most recent one was held for visiting heads of state when the Thailand hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic and Cooperation meeting in October 2003.

As for the Royal Barge Procession to be held on June 12, His Majesty the King will witness the spectacular sight, along with other kings, queens and royal representatives, from the Royal Navy Building on the Thonburi side of Bangkok.

The

re will be three rehearsals of the Royal Barge Procession - one today and the other two on Tuesday and Friday next week - before the actual event.

The rehearsals offer a good chance to witness the grandeur of the Royal Barge Procession from a choice position along the Chao Phaya River between Vasukri Pier and Wat Arun.

It will be more difficult to find a good spot on June 12 because thousands of people will be lining up along the river to watch the spectacle.

The world will be sharing Thailand's pride during this and all the other events marking the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

Nothing could be more picturesque, more majestic, more surreal or more evocative of the grandeur of Bangkok – the City of Angels – than the Royal Barge Procession.

As the leaders of the 21 member economies of Apec gathered at the Royal Navy Conference Hall on the Thon Buri side of Bangkok for a gala dinner, they were treated to the sight of the glittering procession of Royal Barges on the Chao Phya River.

The site of the gathering was once the compound of the Royal Palace of King Taksin.

After the fall Ayutthya in 1767, King Taksin claimed Thon Buri as the capital of Siam.

This lasted for 15 years until 1782.

It was a perfect location for the world's leaders – among them George W Bush of the US, Vladimir Putin of Russia, Hu Jintao of China, Alejandro Toledo of Peru, and Vincente Fox of Mexico – to watch the show.

Most of the 21 leaders of Apec were accompanied by their spouses.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra played host for the affair, which served as a showcase for Thailand's proud heritage and grand traditions.

The weather was warm and humid following a downpour at about 5pm, which raised concerns that the Royal Barge Procession would be interrupted.

Yet Phra Sayam Thevathiraj, the God of the City of Angels, came to the rescue, in no time restoring calm to the weather and allowing the procession to proceed with fanfare at around 9pm.

The leaders and their spouses were plunged into the past glory of Thon Buri, the Twin Capital of Thailand.

Between Bangkok and Thon Buri lies the serpentine form of the Chao Phya River, which serves as a geographical divide for the two cities.

Yet spiritually, the river binds the two together in shared glory and destiny.

Next year Bangkok will celebrate its 222nd anniversary.

From their vantage point, the Apec leaders were able to enjoy the impressive sight of the Grand Palace of Bangkok, with its splendid pagodas, many ornate temples and buildings, all adorned with gold leaf and reflective tiles.

The Grand Palace was bathed in shiny gold as if it had been made in heaven.

To their right, the leaders could also see the Temple of the Dawn and its landmark chedi, which symbolises the universe.

The Royal Barges that passed before the eyes of the gathered leaders and thousands of Thais who watched the procession from the river banks took a 40-minute symbolic journey through the three worlds – the human world, the water world, and finally heaven.

From the Wasukri Pier, about three kilometres north of the Royal Navy Conference Hall, 52 Royal Barges set out on their journey from the human world, where finite beings are governed by the law of suffering.

Dusk fell, and the more than 2,000 oarsmen taking part in the ceremony enjoyed a pleasant ride as they made their way through the water world, which flows towards the sea at Pak Nam.

The Royal Barges are painted in bright colours – gold, silver, red, blue, green, pink and white – and decorated with mythical animals and characters from the Ramayana, such as Asura Vayuphak, Pali Rang Thaveep, Krabi Ran Ron Rap, Krut Tret Traichak, and Krut Hern Het.

The foremost vessels were the Royal Barge Narai Song Suban HM King Rama IX and the Royal Barge Suphannahongse.

The Narai Song Suban is decorated with a garuda figure and Narai, a Hindu god.

The Suphannahongse, which dates back to 1548 in the Ayutthya period, has an elegant swan at its head.

The barge befits the status of the King of Thailand.

The Suphannahongse, or Hansa, is one of the emblems of the 2003 Apec summit, signifying that Thailand has enjoyed lucrative trade with other countries since ancient times.

The resounding chanting of the lead singer floated out across the Chao Phya as the procession made its way past.

The song depicted the beauty and glory of the City of Angels.

Only in Bangkok do angels and human beings live in harmony.

The exquisite scene was reminiscent of the Royal Celebration and Royal Kathin Ceremony during the Ayutthya period (between 1350 and 1767).

During the high-water season, the Ayutthya kings travelled with their entourages in a procession of Royal Barges to pay tribute to the Lord Buddha's footprint in Saraburi.

The journey from Ayutthya to Saraburi was quite a distance in the old days, so songs were composed and sung along the way to boost the morale of the oarsmen and entertain the kings and their entourages.

Prince Thammathibes (1715-1755), who was a Prince of the Front Palace during the time of King Boromkot, wrote a masterpiece that set a fresh standard for the Thai language and Thai poetry to accompany the Royal Barge Procession.

Samadhachai and Krai Kab Kaew, Scintillating on the water, Go along side by side As if they had descended from heaven.

Golden Hansa with pendant Delicately rests on the water, Like the bird-carriage of the Great Brahma, Gorgeously making its way.

Victory barge is swift-winged, Flitting by like the wind; Rhythmic pole accelerates, The poop lowers with a forward thrust.

(Translated by Montri Umavijani) The most spectacular sight came when the barges passed before the Grand Palace.

It was there that the leaders were able to witness the surreal effect of the procession, buoyed by the modern lighting system, in its most dramatic form.

The vessels subsequently arrived in heaven, the final destination that the Lord Buddha wants for all human beings.

Alter the journey, the Royal Barges arrived at Wat Kalaya-namitra, bringing the cycle of the three worlds to an end.

Royal Barge
Nothing could be more picturesque, more majestic, more surreal or more evocative of the grandeur of Bangkok – the City of Angels – than the Royal Barge Procession.

As the leaders of the 21 member economies of Apec gathered at the Royal Navy Conference Hall on the Thon Buri side of Bangkok for a gala dinner, they were treated to the sight of the glittering procession of Royal Barges on the Chao Phya River.

The site of the gathering was once the compound of the Royal Palace of King Taksin.

After the fall Ayutthya in 1767, King Taksin claimed Thon Buri as the capital of Siam.

This lasted for 15 years until 1782.

It was a perfect location for the world’s leaders – among them George W Bush of the US, Vladimir Putin of Russia, Hu Jintao of China, Alejandro Toledo of Peru, and Vincente Fox of Mexico – to watch the show.

Most of the 21 leaders of Apec were accompanied by their spouses.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra played host for the affair, which served as a showcase for Thailand’s proud heritage and grand traditions.

The weather was warm and humid following a downpour at about 5pm, which raised concerns that the Royal Barge Procession would be interrupted.

Yet Phra Sayam Thevathiraj, the God of the City of Angels, came to the rescue, in no time restoring calm to the weather and allowing the procession to proceed with fanfare at around 9pm.

The leaders and their spouses were plunged into the past glory of Thon Buri, the Twin Capital of Thailand.

Between Bangkok and Thon Buri lies the serpentine form of the Chao Phya River, which serves as a geographical divide for the two cities.

Yet spiritually, the river binds the two together in shared glory and destiny.

Next year Bangkok will celebrate its 222nd anniversary.

From their vantage point, the Apec leaders were able to enjoy the impressive sight of the Grand Palace of Bangkok, with its splendid pagodas, many ornate temples and buildings, all adorned with gold leaf and reflective tiles.

The Grand Palace was bathed in shiny gold as if it had been made in heaven.

To their right, the leaders could also see the Temple of the Dawn and its landmark chedi, which symbolises the universe.

The Royal Barges that passed before the eyes of the gathered leaders and thousands of Thais who watched the procession from the river banks took a 40-minute symbolic journey through the three worlds – the human world, the water world, and finally heaven.

From the Wasukri Pier, about three kilometres north of the Royal Navy Conference Hall, 52 Royal Barges set out on their journey from the human world, where finite beings are governed by the law of suffering.

Dusk fell, and the more than 2,000 oarsmen taking part in the ceremony enjoyed a pleasant ride as they made their way through the water world, which flows towards the sea at Pak Nam.

The Royal Barges are painted in bright colours – gold, silver, red, blue, green, pink and white – and decorated with mythical animals and characters from the Ramayana, such as Asura Vayuphak, Pali Rang Thaveep, Krabi Ran Ron Rap, Krut Tret Traichak, and Krut Hern Het.

The foremost vessels were the Royal Barge Narai Song Suban HM King Rama IX and the Royal Barge Suphannahongse.

The Narai Song Suban is decorated with a garuda figure and Narai, a Hindu god.

The Suphannahongse, which dates back to 1548 in the Ayutthya period, has an elegant swan at its head.

The barge befits the status of the King of Thailand.

The Suphannahongse, or Hansa, is one of the emblems of the 2003 Apec summit, signifying that Thailand has enjoyed lucrative trade with other countries since ancient times.

The resounding chanting of the lead singer floated out across the Chao Phya as the procession made its way past.

The song depicted the beauty and glory of the City of Angels.

Only in Bangkok do angels and human beings live in harmony.

The exquisite scene was reminiscent of the Royal Celebration and Royal Kathin Ceremony during the Ayutthya period (between 1350 and 1767).

During the high-water season, the Ayutthya kings travelled with their entourages in a procession of Royal Barges to pay tribute to the Lord Buddha’s footprint in Saraburi.

The journey from Ayutthya to Saraburi was quite a distance in the old days, so songs were composed and sung along the way to boost the morale of the oarsmen and entertain the kings and their entourages.

Prince Thammathibes (1715-1755), who was a Prince of the Front Palace during the time of King Boromkot, wrote a masterpiece that set a fresh standard for the Thai language and Thai poetry to accompany the Royal Barge Procession.

Samadhachai and Krai Kab Kaew, Scintillating on the water, Go along side by side As if they had descended from heaven.

Golden Hansa with pendant Delicately rests on the water, Like the bird-carriage of the Great Brahma, Gorgeously making its way.

Victory barge is swift-winged, Flitting by like the wind; Rhythmic pole accelerates, The poop lowers with a forward thrust.

(Translated by Montri Umavijani) The most spectacular sight came when the barges passed before the Grand Palace.

It was there that the leaders were able to witness the surreal effect of the procession, buoyed by the modern lighting system, in its most dramatic form.

The vessels subsequently arrived in heaven, the final destination that the Lord Buddha wants for all human beings.

Alter the journey, the Royal Barges arrived at Wat Kalaya-namitra, bringing the cycle of the three worlds to an end.
Majestic splendour
November 5, 1999 -- THE grandeur of the reign of King Rama IX was further enhanced yesterday by the revival of the ancient tradition of a Royal procession down the Chao Phya River with glittering barges featuring different august animals.

There is perhaps nothing more picturesque than this Royal Barge Procession, which is at once a festival of colour and mythical splendour. The procession evokes a sense of continuity just like the great river, a connection with the glories past, the grandeur that was Ayudhya and the magnificence that is Krungthep. It is an awe-inspiring event that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Thailand.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, upholder of the Buddhist faith, used the traditional transport by setting sail on the Suphannahongse in the afternoon from the Vasukri pier to preside over the Kathin merit-making ceremony, marking the end of Buddhist Lent, at the Temple of the Dawn.

A slight drizzle at the beginning of the ceremony gave it an auspicious, tranquil and refreshing prelude. By the time the procession sailed from the Vasukri pier, the sky had cleared. On both sides of the river, Thais and foreigners marvelled at the spectacle. Tears of joy brimmed in many eyes as the beloved monarch pointed his camera at his loyal subjects.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn also accompanied the King in another barge, the Narai Song Suban, in the procession that was made up of a total of 52 vessels and extended to about one kilometre.

The spectacular procession moved in parallel rows, a formation evolved from traditional military manoeuvres on rivers. Some of the barges were also equipped with cannons, a demonstration of the power of the Kingdom.

The Suphannahongse glided elegantly on the mighty Chao Phya River or River of the Kings, reminiscent of a poem in the famous Royal barge songs composed by Prince Thammathibes, the foremost poet, during the Ayudhya period.

Prince Thammathibes wrote:

Golden Hansa with pendant

Delicately rests on the water,

Like the bird-carriage of the Great Brahma,

Gorgeously making its way.

And when the Suphannahongse began its journey, at times looking as if it was skimming the surface of the water, a boat song composed by Commander R N Thongyoi Saengsingchai was sung in extended rhythm to glorify the occasion. This was also reminiscent of Prince Thammathibes' Royal Barge songs, which go as follows:

''Music is loud and cacophonous

Amongst singers and revellers

Shouting and merry-making

Everybody is enjoying.

The magnificent fleet sails out

From the capital city;

It delights the heart to see

Fish of all species in great number.

In the old days, between the end of the Buddhist Lent to the day of the full-moon, which lasts about a month, the Ayudhya Kings traditionally performed the presentation of robes to monks in the Kathin Ceremony as part of the Buddhist ritual.

During this period of high tides, the Kings travelled by barge to the royally-patronised temples to fulfil their duties.

The Kathin Ceremony is of great significance to the Kings, considered the paramount keeper of Buddhism. The occasion also permits oarsmen, mostly sailors, to work on their muscles and their craft in preparation for unexpected wars.

The Royal Barge Procession, which can be traced back to the Sukhothai period, was in vogue until 1932, the year of the revolution that ended the absolute monarchy.

The procession on water served three purposes: the Kings going to war against enemies, the Kings' travelling to royally--sponsored temples to participate in the merit-making ceremony and the Kings' making a pilgrimage to Buddha's Foot Print in Saraburi.

It was King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who in 1959 revived the royal procession on water. The King sees in this procession a great tradition that must be safeguarded to dignify Thailand.

Still, the Royal Barge Procession is a rare event, having taken place only five times, including yesterday's, during his reign.

It also served as an overture to the grand celebration of His Majesty the King's birthday on Dec 5. Already His Majesty has surpassed all other Kings in the Chakri Dynasty in the greatness of his reign.
-------------------------
Majestic splendour
November 5, 1999 -- THE grandeur of the reign of King Rama IX was further enhanced yesterday by the revival of the ancient tradition of a Royal procession down the Chao Phya River with glittering barges featuring different august animals.

There is perhaps nothing more picturesque than this Royal Barge Procession, which is at once a festival of colour and mythical splendour. The procession evokes a sense of continuity just like the great river, a connection with the glories past, the grandeur that was Ayudhya and the magnificence that is Krungthep. It is an awe-inspiring event that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Thailand.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, upholder of the Buddhist faith, used the traditional transport by setting sail on the Suphannahongse in the afternoon from the Vasukri pier to preside over the Kathin merit-making ceremony, marking the end of Buddhist Lent, at the Temple of the Dawn.

A slight drizzle at the beginning of the ceremony gave it an auspicious, tranquil and refreshing prelude. By the time the procession sailed from the Vasukri pier, the sky had cleared. On both sides of the river, Thais and foreigners marvelled at the spectacle. Tears of joy brimmed in many eyes as the beloved monarch pointed his camera at his loyal subjects.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn also accompanied the King in another barge, the Narai Song Suban, in the procession that was made up of a total of 52 vessels and extended to about one kilometre.

The spectacular procession moved in parallel rows, a formation evolved from traditional military manoeuvres on rivers. Some of the barges were also equipped with cannons, a demonstration of the power of the Kingdom.

The Suphannahongse glided elegantly on the mighty Chao Phya River or River of the Kings, reminiscent of a poem in the famous Royal barge songs composed by Prince Thammathibes, the foremost poet, during the Ayudhya period.

Prince Thammathibes wrote:

Golden Hansa with pendant

Delicately rests on the water,

Like the bird-carriage of the Great Brahma,

Gorgeously making its way.

And when the Suphannahongse began its journey, at times looking as if it was skimming the surface of the water, a boat song composed by Commander R N Thongyoi Saengsingchai was sung in extended rhythm to glorify the occasion. This was also reminiscent of Prince Thammathibes' Royal Barge songs, which go as follows:

''Music is loud and cacophonous

Amongst singers and revellers

Shouting and merry-making

Everybody is enjoying.

The magnificent fleet sails out

From the capital city;

It delights the heart to see

Fish of all species in great number.

In the old days, between the end of the Buddhist Lent to the day of the full-moon, which lasts about a month, the Ayudhya Kings traditionally performed the presentation of robes to monks in the Kathin Ceremony as part of the Buddhist ritual.

During this period of high tides, the Kings travelled by barge to the royally-patronised temples to fulfil their duties.

The Kathin Ceremony is of great significance to the Kings, considered the paramount keeper of Buddhism. The occasion also permits oarsmen, mostly sailors, to work on their muscles and their craft in preparation for unexpected wars.

The Royal Barge Procession, which can be traced back to the Sukhothai period, was in vogue until 1932, the year of the revolution that ended the absolute monarchy.

The procession on water served three purposes: the Kings going to war against enemies, the Kings' travelling to royally-sponsored temples to participate in the merit-making ceremony and the Kings' making a pilgrimage to Buddha's Foot Print in Saraburi.

It was King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who in 1959 revived the royal procession on water. The King sees in this procession a great tradition that must be safeguarded to dignify Thailand.

Still, the Royal Barge Procession is a rare event, having taken place only five times, including yesterday's, during his reign.

It also served as an overture to the grand celebration of His Majesty the King's birthday on Dec 5. Already His Majesty has surpassed all other Kings in the Chakri Dynasty in the greatness of his reign.
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