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Wednesday, May 17, 2006
The Royal Barge Procession of Thailand
By Nelia G. Neri
On June 12, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the longest reigning monarch in the world today, will celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of his accession to the throne. As is traditional in Thailand for such a momentous occasion, a Royal Barge Procession is in order. The spectacular procession along the River of Kings epitomizes the country’s cultural heritage.
For the past 60 years, the much loved and revered King has served as an inspiration to his people. He has devoted himself to development projects and carried out innovations for the betterment of his kingdom. Not only that, with his aptitude in art, music and sports, he has motivated his subjects to give the best of themselves in their different fields of endeavor. Without doubt, King Bhumibol Adulyadej lives his life for his country and his people.
Heads of state from 29 countries will join the King as he presides over next month’s Royal Barge Procession. It will start from Wasuki Royal Pier at 6:30 p.m. with a total of 52 barges in formation. Four of them are royal barges - Suphannahong, Anantanagaraj, Anekchatbhuchongse and Narai Songsuban H.M. King Rama IX which was presented to the King in 1996 when he celebrated his 50th year on the throne. The procession will make its way downstream to the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun).
Preparations are well underway for the big event. Upon the invitation of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) through our good friend Dave de Jesus who is the marketing rep of TAT in the Philippines, we had a chance to view the dress rehearsal of the Royal Barge Procession last May 2. It was a sight to behold!
The royal barges Suphannahong, Anantanagaraj and Anekchatbhuchongse were each manned by 50 oarsman, two helmsmen, two officers and one flagman. The oarsmen, all dressed in bright traditional costumes, rowed in synchronised movement, their silver and gold paddles raised high in unision at the end of each stroke. Their movement was regulated by a rhythm keeper who tapped the butt of his silver spear on the deck in time with the quaint chanting. It was a unique experience for us!
*****
During an earlier press conference presided over by TAT Governor Juthmas Siriwan and officers of the Royal Thai Navy, more activities were announced.
From May 26 to June 4, the government will organize an exhibition in honor of His Majesty the King at the Impact Exhibition Hall in Muang Thong Thani.
Coming up on June 23 is the Royal Thai Army procession, and over in the northern captial of Chiang Mai, there’s the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 - International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty the King on sked from Nov. 1 to Jan.31, 2007.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (May 17, 2006 issue)
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