Royal Bangkok beckons

One of the main events that brought us to Bangkok was the rehearsal for the Royal Barge Procession on Chao Phraya River. We were told to dress appropriately for the occasion (otherwise, we were casually attired in the hot Thailand summer) and no wonder: dignitaries, led by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Juthamat Siriwan, were in attendance during a tri-media conference along the Chao Phraya where the royal barge staff in full regalia was presented. The staff position is an honor that is handed down from generation to generation.

In an exclusive interview with our (Philippine) group, Madame Siriwan disclosed that next month, 52 barges - comprising the royal fleet (formerly used as war vessels in lieu of horses and elephants) - would sail down the river from the Wasuki Royal Pier to the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) in commemoration of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's (Rama IX) 60th year on the throne of Siam. His Majesty will turn 80 years old on December 5, 2006 and is the longest reigning monarch to date. Belonging to the Chakri dynasty, the king's ancestry dates back to 1782 when General Chakri became Rama I. It was Rama I who brought the legendary Emerald Buddha from the ancient Laotian capital and established the present Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.

King Bhumibol, dearly loved by his people as a demi-god, is a hands-on monarch who has kept pace with modern times even as he upholds the traditions of the ancient Sukhothai kingdom. He has gained much admiration in the western world as a jazz musician of no mean feat, as a scholar who delves in the sciences and as an equestrian of exceptional bearing. His consort, the fascinatingly beautiful Queen Sirikit, has shown Asian elegance and noteworthy cultural acuity beside him on the throne of Siam.

TAT Governor Siriwan shared that her office targets one million visitors to come to Bangkok in time for the June 12 celebrations, with some 29 heads of state expected to attend the king's Diamond Jubilee. In place, according to Madame Siriwan, will be a million security forces to ensure safety and order during the festivities. (That means one-on-one security for the visitors...amazing!)

Highlights in June will be the Royal Gala Dinner at the Royal Navy Conference Hall (for the visiting heads of state) and the Royal Barge Procession (for the tourists and the public). Notable of only four royal barges in the procession are Suphannahong - over 100 years old teak barge used by the king only during Kathin Ceremony (a Buddhist traditional robe offering to monks) in November - and Narai Songsuban Ratchakan Thi Kao - the newest royal barge gifted to His Majesty in 1996 for his Golden Jubilee as monarch. There will a fireworks display along the Chao Phraya during the procession which will start at dusk and will last for about an hour. When we viewed the rehearsal, it was almost 7pm (they started late) and we missed the otherwise opulent beauty of the barges as they passed by with inadequate lighting along the banks. I am sure TAT will be ready to address such an eventuality as a delay in the procession that will mean viewing the barges with spotlights throughout the route.

Since we could not get actual shots of the barges when we watched them from a charming riverside restaurant called Supatra River House, I took the photo of Dave de Jesus & Lynette Coronel on the porch as they tried valiantly to take some good enough shots.(No such luck!) Supatra River House used to be the residence of Khunying Supatra Singholaga, successful entrepreneur and leading women's right advocate. Today, her daughter serves delicious fresh seafood authentic Thai cuisine to patrons - dishes that her mother loved. This upscale boutique restaurant exudes a charming ambiance with old framed photographs of Khunying Supatra and many knickknacks from her era. You can watch the Royal Barge Procession from here next month!

As what Governor Siriwan told us: "Please come and join us in celebrating His Majesty King Bhumibol's 60th anniversary of his ascension to the throne."