ultralume: June 2006

Excuse the delay in updating my blog, I have been working as an English teacher for a month at Surawittayakarn School in Surin (more on that later) and it has been taking most of my time. I did have a need to go to Bangkok to renew my passport, so I thought I would take the opportunity to see some of the celebrations associated with the King's 60th Anniversary. I feel fortunate to have seen the Royal Barge Procession and the subsequent Royal motorcade on such an auspicious occasion as His Majesty King Bhumipbol Adulyadej, 60th anniversary of ascension to the throne. We arrived in Bangkok on Sunday morning having taken the night train from Surin. After checking into the hotel we went scouting for a location to view the Royal Barge procession from and also went on a long tailed boat ride up the klong. We decided on a location near Maharaj Pier off Thanon Mahathat in the narrow winding alleys of the amulet markets and food stalls. We were able to find two seats in a private residence. Mine was on the floor of narrow balcony that jutted over the water (indeed the whole house hung over the water) and I was afforded a ringside seat as it were. There was only one available seat there, so Kang had to sit further in the back.
In brief the Royal Barge Processions go back to the Sukothai period and were used for Royal business or Religious ceremonies. This is the 15th time since 1946. Over 2,000 men of The Royal Thai Navy man the 52 barges. We arrived in the area about 14:00 and mingled with the throngs of yellow shirted crowds all happy to be part of this day. We spent some time checking out the souvenirs and getting a bite to eat. By 15:30 we were back taking our seats and I was setting up to get my photos. A brief rain forced us inside for awhile but it was a welcome respite from he heat. I was using my Canon 20D with a 75-300mm, f 4-5.6 III USM telephoto and a 28-135 mm, f 3-5.6 IS, USM. In retrospect I wish I had used my monopod bungied to the railing and stopped down a bit as I was not completely happy with the sharpness of my telephoto shots. I also took with me my Voigtlander Bessa R with a 50mm Jupiter 8, f 2 for my B&W street shooter. For medium format I was testing my Pentacon Six TL with a 80 mm Zeiss Jena Biometar f 2.8. I still need to develop the film from both these cameras. At 17:21 I began taking my first shots of the approaching mythical boats. The chanting rolls across the water and you are transported back in time. It is over too soon and by 18:30 we are back on the street. After the ceremony we walked across the Sanam Luang to view the lights and get dinner on Khao San Rd. While crossing the corner of Ratchadamnoen Rd. the police started telling everyone to line up along the road as the King was coming. In the midst of a crowd we ended up about three rows back from the front and had to squat down or kneel so that the other crowds in the back could see. Now this was exciting and totally unanticipated, as it seemed to most. We waited over an hour but everyone was good-natured and having fun in the typical Thai fashion. I must confess after awhile my feet and legs were aching and I had to stand up from time to time as did many other people. Every one was quite understanding. The motorcades started arriving and some of the monarchs and royalty were readily recognizable as the crowds voiced their approval and reactions as each car passed with every one shouting and waving. Finally the King arrived and the crowd went fairly wild with everyone waiing and showing the utmost respect. I saw the King very clearly as he probably passed 25 ft from us and the lights in car were on inside. The Queen was on our side of the car and closest to us. It was very memorable occasion and I wish I had snapped a photo and this would of course join the long list of photos I wished I had taken. Later on Ratchadamnoen Rd. we passed in front of the lottery building. I looked around and noticed a policeman and on his helmet was 4529. The winning lottery number? No it wasn't to be. But I feel lucky all the same.