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World
leaders, VIP's and other delegates attending the APEC 2003 meetings in
Bangkok Thailand, will tonight be dazzled by an event the glorious
history of Thailand has never before seen. For
the first time ever, the Royal Barge Procession will take place at
night, featuring a combination of light, sound and other media, allowing
people to enjoy the magnificent beauty of Bangkok's temples along the
Chao Phraya River, all carefully
lit to show off their glittering beauty. Usually when
HM the King presents Royal Kratin Robes to monks by the royal barge procession, four royal barges will be used in the procession. As
this procession is meant however as a cultural performance for APEC 2003 delegates, the Royal Thai Navy has
arranged two royal barges to take part, namely: Royal Barge
Suphannabongse and Royal Barge Narai Song Suban HM King Rama IX. Twelve
of the barges are animal figurehead barges - Ekachai Hern How, Ekachai Lao Thong, Krut Hern Hei, Tret Trichak, Pali Rang Thaveep, Sukeep Krong Muang, Krabi Ran Ron Rap, Krabi Prab Muang Marn, Asura Vayuphak, Asura Paksee, Sua Thayan Chon and Sua Kamron Sindh. The remaining 36 barges are Rua Daeng and Rua Saeng ships. The total length of the formation is 1,200 metres and a total 2,082 personnel and oarsmen will participate. The Royal Barge,
was selected as a symbol of APEC 2003, representing a water-borne vessel that connects the two sides of the Pacific region with their strong bonds of historic, economic, social and cultural relations. The Royal Barge can also be perceived as a symbolic means of transporting APEC delegates back across the Pacific to Asia after the APEC 2002 meetings in Mexico.
The barge in the logo is the “Sri Suphanahongsa” Royal Barge, a vessel of the monarchy, specifically His Majesty King Bhumibol
Adulyadej. The revolving globe signifies dynamism, interconnection, global economic cooperation and regionalism which have always been APEC’s values. Tonight's
procession will begin at Wasukri Pier, near the National Library and continue
along the river to Wat Arun which is opposite the Grand Palace. The barges will be ready
by 5pm and the show will start around 8pm coming to a close at around 10pm. Most
streets in the immediate areas have been closed and other measures taken
for security reasons. This very special and memorable event will be featured live on
Thai TV, and organisers hope that many International TV stations will
also feature the procession. History
of the Royal Barge Procession |
