B a n g k o k THELOCALITIES Special issue
ROYAL BARGES
PROCESSION 2012
Experience of a life time
Royal Barge Procession กระบวนพยุหยาตราชลมารค is a ceremony of both religious and royal significance
which has been taking place for nearly 700 years. The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend
of craftsmanship and traditionalThai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically
coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King
Bhumibol Adulyadej, spanning over 60 years, the Procession has only occurred 16 times.
The Royal Barge Procession, in the present, consists of 52 barges: 51 historical Barges, and the
Royal Barge, the Narai Song Suban, which King Rama IX built in 1994. It is the only Barge built
during King Bhumibol's reign. These barges are manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession pro-
ceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Dusit, Bangkok,
FEATURE >>>>
ROYAL BARGES
PROCESSION 2012
Experience of a life time
Bangkok THELOCALITIES
It began during the Ayutthaya period in 14th century. Western visitors witnessed and wrote about
the "immense procession with 200 boats" upon their arrival in Thailand in the 18th century. During
the processions, the oarsmen were kept in rhythm by the beating of drums, with accompanying
music.
In 1767, Burma invaded Thailand, and amid the destruction, hundreds of the barges were burned
and destroyed. General Taksin rallied the Thais and established the new capital atThonburi. King
Taksin ordered the reconstruction of the barge fleet, and used a fleet of 115 barges to carry the
holy image of Buddha to the new capital.
General Chakri succeeded General Taksin on the latter's death, and moved the capital to pre-
sent-day Bangkok. General Chakri, the first king of the Chakri Dynasty, named King Buddha Yod-
fah, or Rama I, began the Royal Kathin Ceremony Procession. The Kathin Ceremony is the presen-
tation of Kathin robes and the earning of merit in tribute to and support of the Buddhist Monks.
๔ ๓
THE ROYAL BARGES
๑ ๒ “The Suphannahong”
Resembling a mythical swan, or hong, adorned
with gold lacquer and glass jewels, with a crystal-
line ball and tassle dangling from her mouth. This
46-meter craft was carved from a single trunk
of teakwood, and was launched 13 November
1911. There is a golden pavilion on board to
house the king and his royal family.
“The Anantanakkharat ”
Anantanakkharat as name for King of Serpents.
Originally built in the Reign of King Rama III. The
current Anantanakkharat was built during the
Reign of Rama VI(King Vajiravudh), and launched
on 14 April 1914. The bow is carved into the 7-
headed Nakkharat, the mystical snake-like crea-
ture, in gold lacquer and glass jewels.
("the Garuda") is the only barge built during the
reign of King Bhumipol. It was built under commis-
sion by the Royal Thai Navy and the Thai Depart-
ment of Fine Arts and was launched 6 May 1996
to coincide with the celebration of the fiftieth an-
niversary of Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the
throne.
("the Variety of Serpents") is the oldest of the four
Royal Barges, being the actual barge built dur-
ing the reign of Rama V (King Chulalongkorn).
While no mythical figure is readily visible on the
bow, numerous small ornamental Naga figures
are carved into the bow.
“The Anekkachatphuchong ” “The Narai Song Suban HM
King Rama IX ”
๗ ๙ ๕ ๘
๔
๒ THE ESCORT BARGES
๖ Ekachai class are
the two barges
with a gold paint-
ing of a horned
creature that is
half-nāga half-
dragon and they
are not equipped
with cannon
“Asura” “Krabi” “Krut ” “Suea”
Kurt Class are the
two barges with
Garuda figure
heads with Nagas
caught on their
wings and feet.
consist of four
barges with Va-
r a n a f i g u r e
heads , Pali Rang
Thawip, Sukrip
K h r o n g
Mueang, Krabi
Ran Ron Rap,
and Krabi Prap
Mueang Man.
consists of two
barges with half-
bird, half-ogre fig-
ureheads
Suea class are the
barges with the
painting of a ti-
ger, with the
names of the
barges are clearly
written on the
bow.
“Ekachai ”
PRESERVATION
The dock that stored the barges,
located in the Bangkok Noi district,
was then turned into the National
Museum of Royal Barge. Only eight
important barges, including all four
Royal Barges, are displayed in the
museum due to space constraint.
The remaining are kept in the dock
next to Wasukri Pier.
National Museum of
Royal Barge
Location
Address:
Tel
Operate hours
Entrance fees
1 3 . 7 6 1 9 4 7 , 1 0 0 . 4 8 4 6 5 8
A r u n A m a r i n D i s t r i c t ,
B a n g k o k n o i , B a n g k o k
1 0 7 0 0
0 2 - 4 2 4 - 0 0 0 4
D a i l y , 9 a m - 5 p m
3 0 B
Bangkok THELOCALITIES
HIGHLIGHT
The Royal Barge Procession 2012 (Royal Kathin Ceremony)
Actual
9th November 2012
Full dress rehearsal
1st & 6th November 2012
1pm —7pm
Rehearsal
21,27 September 2012
4, 8, 12, 19, 25, 29 October 2012
2pm onward
Between Tha Chang to Pra Pin Klao Bridge
SUGGESTIONS
Thammasat University
&
Venice Vanich
Details
Seated, Meal, beverages &
guide are included
Price:
900B - 5,000B (Special discount
from AIS—mobile operator)
Reservation 02-271-9095
@ 6 Public Piers (N9-N12)
Details
Seated on the piers only 4 rows
available
Price:
300B - 700B
Reservation 02-623-6001-3
www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com
New Siam River Side
Details
Via hotel room (cant open win-
dow during actual ceremony)
Price:
1,390B - 2,990B
Reservation 02-282-2795
www.newsiam.net
Arun Residence
Details
Via hotel room (cant open
window during actual cere-
mony)
Price:
From 3,500B
Reservation 02-221-9158-9
arunredsidence.com
Bangkok THELOCALITIES
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