Thailand set to Amaze World Leaders

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