I was extremely lucky on Wednesday to be invited to Am Phawa Palace for the arrival of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in celebration of the Loy Krathong festival. Loi in Thai means 'to float', and a Krathong is a small raft, which the Thai's usually construct from a small piece of banana tree trunk and then decorate with candles, flowers and cleverly folded green banana leaves. After nightfall, the Thai's light the candles on top of the raft, and float them out onto a river, symbolic of letting go of all grudges and pent up anger, and to turn over a 'new leaf'. The Kratong is also thought to bring good luck, and is often released with an accompanying prayer or two. The festival is held on the full moon of the 12th month (usually November in Western calendar).
We arrived early at the Palace grounds and had a mooch around Am Phawa floating market, which I will post on later, as it is well worth a visit.
The Palace was to play host to the Princess at around 6pm, and the grounds were immaculate and incredibly beautiful. There are a series of statues dotted around the various courtyards, depicting scenes from the Thai bible which make for interesting tales and some intriguing illumination into Buddhist culture.
The Princess’s yacht was moored at the end of a curved promenade, which lead past various colourful food, drink and gift stalls, which were to be opened once the Princess had departed.
Security was very tight, with army and police all over the grounds. We were extremely fortunate to be invited to stand with a group of army personnel at the point where the Princess was to arrive. We made our way to the arrival point for 6pm, and waited eagerly. After some time, a very shiny brown lexus pulled up, followed by accompanying security, and the crowd were completely silent as the Princess alighted her vehicle, I swear, you could have heard a pin drop. The most senior of the officers greeted her silently as she smiled at them, and she was quickly whisked away up some stairs into an upper chamber. As she disappeared, the crowd's elation was released and everybody began talking once more.
We were to see the Princess again soon enough, as a short time after she walked the length of the promenade, and greeted visitors who sat in their hundreds awaiting her. At the end of the walk, she boarded the boat, which quickly set sail down the Mae Klong River.
As the boat left the river side, the festival really kicked off, and there were hundreds of fireworks, with everybody celebrating with food and by launching their own lighted Krathong's, watching them float (in their hundreds) down the river.
What astounds me at these gatherings is how well behaved people are. We were told as the Princess arrived there were to be no photos of her, and none were taken. There was a no smoking, no drinking policy inside the grounds, and this was strictly adhered to. As we walked around and mingled, it was pleasant to know that everyone was sober, just thrilled to be in the presence of a very popular member of the Thai Royal family.
That's great, I never thought about Loy Krathong festival, and seeing the Princess like that before.
Posted by: Yacht Charter Greece | December 26, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Wow, I never knew that Loy Krathong festival, and seeing the Princess. That's pretty interesting...
Posted by: Yachtcharter Griechenland | January 13, 2009 at 10:42 AM