In the afternoon sun, a fleet of four exquisite royal barges -- Suphannahong, Narayana Song Suban King Rama IX, Anantanagaraj and Anekajatbhujonga -- are moored at the Thonburi Naval Dockyard as 240 oarsmen train in preparation for the Royal Kathin (robe offering) ritual scheduled to take place in October. Until tomorrow, visitors are welcome to observe how the oarsmen get ready for this nearly 700-year-old spectacle. This special gesture has been allowed just for the four royal barges that carry His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and other members of the royal family.
It is a great opportunity for the young generation to appreciate the magnificence of Thai cultural heritage. Using three basic strokes, the procession of 52 barges will require 2,220 crew to accelerate and control direction. The men have spent several months honing their skills on land and in water so that their strokes are precisely harmonised with powerful singing.
Just a short distance away from the dry dock, a classic Panya-style building has been transformed into the Royal Dockyard Museum in Honour of the 84th Anniversary of King Rama IX to transport visitors back to when boats were the primary mode of transportation. Behind the entrance, a pair of ancient garuda-like figureheads triggers memories of when Siam embraced Indian traditions to build a procession of royal barges modelled after various legendary characters and Himmapan creatures from the Ramakien epic. "Before this cus.