>>
Apart from land travel, water is a frequently
used means of transports for Kings of old. Since Sukhothai
period when Phra Ruang used barges to float kratongs or
lighted candles in floats in the Jong Priang Ceremony in
the great pond as well as fireworks on full moon nights.
In the Ayudhaya period, the capital was an island surrounded
by many rivers and canals. Thus boats played a crucial role
in transport as well as in battles in form of barge formation.
Many warships were then built during this period.
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In times of peace, soldiers still needed to be
prepared for emergency or surprise attack. Flood season
was naturally the most suitable time to practice battle
formation as the young men were also free from farming.
The season also coincided with the Kathin festival when
the King would also present Kathin robes to the temple.
So the Kathin ceremony by barges became a tradition for
public celebration and making merit.
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A royal barge procession
would also be organized when the King wished to travel for
both personal enjoyment and official ceremony such as Crowning
Ceremony, Buddhist relics worship or to welcome foreign
envoys.
>>
In the reign of the present King, 14 royal barge processions
have been organized :
1. The 25th Century Celebrations
of the Buddhist Era - 14 May 1957
2. Royal Barge Procession (minor)
for Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn)
15 November 1959
3. Royal Barge Procession (minor)
for Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun, 2 November 1961
4. Royal Barge Procession (minor)
for Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun, 22 October 1962
5. Royal Barge Procession (minor)
for Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun, 15 November 1964
6. Royal Barge Procession (minor)
for Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun, 19 October 1965
7. Royal Barge Procession (minor)
for Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun, 27 October 1967
8. Royal Barge Procession (major)
in the Bangkok Bicentennial Celebrations, 5 April 1982
9. Barge Procession (minor) to transport
the Buddha Image, 12 April 1982
10. Royal Barge Procession (major) for
Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun, 20 October 1982
11. Royal Barge Procession (major) for
Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun, 16 October 1987
12. Royal Barge Procession (major) for
Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun, 7 November 1996
13. Royal Barge Procession (major) for
Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun, 4 November 1999
14. Royal Barge Procession (major) for
APEC Meeting 20 October 2003
