Pageantry and spectacle

Thousands line Chao Phraya to watch the dazzling royal barge ceremony

Camera shutters clicked like a gigantic swarm of crickets, tourists gaped in awe and thousands of Thais turned out once again to honour the majestic spectacle of the royal barge procession along the Chao Phraya River yesterday.

Every available vantage point was packed as the elegant ceremony displayed the country's strong cultural and emotional attachment to the royal institution.

The royal barge procession, with HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn seated on the regal Suphannahongsa, comprised 51 stunningly decorated vessels in a dazzling display of pageantry.

The barges carried a royal krathin, from Wasukri pier to Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn.

A krathin is a set of clothing that Buddhists present to monks. It must take place within a month after the end of Buddhist Lent.

The three other important royal barges are the Anantanagaraj, the Narayana Song Suban Rama IX and the Anekajatbhujonga.

Kachen Petchwong, a 13-year-old student from Wat Rajaborpit School, said he and his friends arrived early in the morning to get the best vantage point they could find to see the rarely-seen royal barge procession. He especially wanted to see the Narayana Song Suban Rama IX.

"I have just been to see it in the museum. I like the wonderful craftsmanship of Narai sitting on the Garuda. It is very beautiful. So I wanted to see it sailing on the river which was even more beautiful," he said.

Amphai Khaobhrom, 64, said she was very excited at seeing the procession of barges. This was her first time watching it live having only ever seen it on television.

"I wanted to be a part of the royal ceremony as it is one thing that I can do for the King. Everything is going well. I can see the strong efforts from people who are trying to do something for the King. I am very lucky to be born under his Barami [reign]," she said.

Piyanuch Ritchalee, 20, who accompanied her mother, said the procession was very elegant and beautiful. She had waited since 11am so she could get the best place to see the procession, which she said was really worthwhile.

After the procession finished at Wat Arun pier, people were still watching the royal barges floating along the river as it glimmered from the yellow light of the sunset.

Many foreign tourists stared in wonder at the splendour. Caroline Hawkin, a 23-year-old from the United States, said she had never seen anything so beautiful before.

"It is different from anything I have ever seen. The barges are so beautiful. I was told about it by my hotel. It's a lucky chance for me to see it," she said.

Danis and his friend from France said the whole ceremony was extremely impressive, especially the beautiful barges and the way they were sailed.

"It looks like barges from way back in history. During the Ayutthaya period, there were many boats in the river. Now, we can see it again in the 21st century," he said.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/320490/pageantry-and-spectacle