Late 19th century colour engraving of the Royal Barge Ceremony, Bangkok.

Late 19th century colour engraving of the Royal Barge Ceremony, Bangkok.

Thailand's Royal Barge Procession (Thai: Krabuan Phayuhayattra Chonlamak) is a ceremony of both religious and royal significance which has been taking place in Siam for nearly 700 years. The exquisitely crafted Royal Barges are a blend of craftsmanship and traditional Thai art. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most significant cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej spanning over 60 years the Procession has only occurred 16 times. The Royal Barge Procession, at the present time, consists of 52 barges (51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, built in 1994 and the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign) and is manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Khet Dusit, Bangkok, passes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, Wat Po, and finally arrives at Wat Arun (The Temple of the Dawn).

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5597 x 2978 px | 47.7 MB

47.4 x 25.2 cm | 18.7 x 9.9 in (300 dpi)