Page 63 - TheCoronationKingRamaX_e3

The Outer Column comprised of the outermost rows flanking the middle and inner columns on either
side. These rows consisted of 22 Dang and seven Saeng barges, serving as escorts for the entire procession.
Dang barges, literally translated as the front barge, were positioned in the vanguard of the procession to protect the
inner column, whereas Saeng barges were assigned to the guards of the monarch due to their nimbleness and
agility.

At 16.24 hours, Suphannahong Royal Barge left Wasukri Pier for this remarkable ceremonial journey.
The Royal Barge Procession travelled 3.4 kilometres past many historical and important landmarks of Bangkok,
namely the Bank of Thailand, situated on the grounds of Bangkhunphrom Palace, Rama VIII Bridge and Sumeru
Fort, one of the last two remaining forts of Bangkok. The regal flotilla then approached Phra Pinklao Bridge,
Thammasat University and Siriraj Hospital, the first public hospital in Thailand, before arriving at Rajavoradit Pier.

A special barge chant was composed for this occasion. Its content praised the benevolence of His Majesty
the King in uplifting the welfare and happiness of his people. The barge chant functions as a rhythm pacer, and
helps orchestrate the rhythm of rowing, creating the unique movements of a harmonious but grand procession,
while all oarsmen take part in resonating the ending part of each verse.

Upon arrival at 17.10 hours, His Majesty the King disembarked the vessel and was received by the
Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, in his capacity as commander of the Royal Barge Procession,
together with the Prime Minister, the Permanent Secretary for Defence and the Permanent Secretary for Interior.
His Majesty the King mounted the Budtan Thong Royal Palanquin and travelled in a Royal Procession on Land for
800 metres from Rajakit Vinijaya Pavilion to Abhorn Bhimok Prasad Pavilion in the Grand Palace. The procession
was led by the Phra Buddha Patima Jayawat H.M. King Rama IX Buddha image.

On this occasion, Her Majesty the Queen and Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati
Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita marched in the royal procession alongside the royal palanquin
as one of His Majesty the King’s Royal Guards.
The final royal procession on land completed the last part of this unique and rare ceremony of the
Coronation of King Rama X, marking a momentous time in Thailand’s history.

The Royal Barge Procession is an integral part of Thailand’s cultural heritage and a treasured national pride. In the
contemporary world, such a tradition might appear exotic, yet anachronistic. But if one carefully explores the rituals in
each specific detail, the essence and significant implications of this ancient tradition will definitely be appreciated.
Indeed, such timeless values are faithfully represented in the exquisite art and symbolism in the making of the
barges, the enthralling chant, and the elegant formation of the procession. These values never fail to shine in
prominence whenever a royal barge procession advances gracefully in the waters, steadily into the next centuries.

55