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royalbarges
royalbarges

"When the King journeys on water      He graces the jewelled throne
Amid His magnificent entourage      of golden barges in proud procession"


The mighty Chao Phraya. River of King….the majestic wonder that has been silent witness to the cherished history of Thailand. Thais gather at the River of Kings on those rare, yet grand occasions that have come to symbolize the cultural heritage of the Thai Kingdom.

In times past, since the Period of Sunkhothai, the barge flotilla was used to display the power of the King, particularly to the very early traders who came to Thailand for the exotic merchandise that so excited other lands. The Royal Barges have also been used to mark religious ceremonies and to make Royal merit such as offerings of robes to the monastic community in the Kathin Ceremony.
Throughout the ages, poets wrote songs to be sung in rhythm with the rowing movements of the sturdily – built oarsmen. Generally these songs described the beauty of the boats in the processions and some verses from these ancient songs have been used to accompany the photographs in this calendar.

Some of the magnificent boats in this procession date back almost 200 years to the reign of King Rama I. Some were carved from a single giant tree and ornate carvings decorate each barge. All are lacquered and gilded with detailed patterns. They are highlighted with paint, mirrored glass, or pieces of coloured glass in a multitude of intricate designs.

In recent years, the Royal Hotilla has been marshalled to celebrate a number of events. The Rattanakosin Bicentennial Celebration in 1982. In a Royal Merit Making Ceremony making an offering of robes to the monastic community in the Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun Ratchawararam ‘Temple of Dawn’ in 1987. And in 1999 to join in the Kathim Robe presentation at ‘Temple of Dawn’ for the celebrations of the 72nd Birthday of His Majesty the King.
On that most recent memorable day in 1999, the King travelled in his personal barge, the Suphannahong Royal Barge. The flotilla was led by the Anantanakkharat Royal Barge bestowing robes upon the monastic community. The King’s personal Barge was followed by the Narai Song Suban Royal Barge and the Anekchatphuchong Barge.

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