Informal Translation of
The Song for Royal Barge Procession
On the occasion of H.M. the King’s Eighty Fourth Birthday
5th December 2011
Chapter I
The Song for the King
I would like to pay respect to the Triple Gem; to gods in all kingdoms; and last but not least, to His Majesty the King of Thailand.
1. This is a song for the Royal Barges and it is humbly composed out of the love for the King.
2. He has reigned for a very long time for the happiness and benefits of the Thais and the people across the world.
3. He is eighty four years of age in this year, which brings joy to the hearts of all Thais.
4. Under his royal protection, all Thais are happy and never feel any threat at all.
5. He has employed “his feet and his hands” to help the Thais in all regions of the country.
6. He has employed “his eyes and ears” to see and hear the needs of those who seek help.
7. His burden has been heavy from the day of enthronement until even now.
8. He has worked very hard for eradicating the suffering faced by the Thais. That is why all the Thais worship him.
9. As he rules by the Dhamma, the love the Thais have for him never withers away.
10. No matter how much time goes by, their true love for him never changes.
11. At the age of eighty four years, he might be weak in his physical strength.
12. But his mind and determination are still strong for the happiness and benefits of Thai people.
13. Thai people are willing to contribute all the good deeds they have done to show their royalty to him.
14. May all merits, Triple Gem and the mighty gods,
15. All join together to bless him with the best wishes.
16. All the Thais wish to give their love and merits they have earned to wish him a long and happy life.
17. May all goods merits he has done protect him from all evils.
18. May he have a peaceful mind, and never see any enemies.
19. May he get all that he wants and even achieve the Enlightenment if he wishes.
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Chapter II
The Song for Royal Barge Procession
The royal barges Suphannahongse, Anantanakharaj and Narai Song Suban are floating on water. The song for royal barge procession is heard loudly and echoes throughout the river.
1. All royal barges are beautifully floating on water. They look like a godly procession coming from the heaven.
2. There comes the Suphannahongse Barge. It looks like a flying golden swan with a beautiful hanging below its mount.
3. The Anantanakharaj Royal Barge looks like a Naga with seven heads swimming in the water.
4. The Anekchartphuchong Royal Barge reveals itself, also looks like a Naga swimming in the water.
5. The Royal Barge Narai Song Suban comes beautifully. It looks like a Garuda catching a Naga.
6. There come the gracious Krabi and speedy Krut barges.
7. The Asura Vayuphak Barge and its counterpart, The Asura Paksi Barge resemble two birds flying in the sky.
8. There come four royal barges that travel in group: Saeng, Dhang, Chai and King.
9. The beautiful illustrations of giant demons, monkeys and other animals on the royal barges are life-life and elegant.
10. The Song for Royal Barge Procession echoes throughout the river. It is sung from the heart of all Royal Navy officers.
11. All royal barges were skillfully crafted and beautifully decorated. It’s amazing how tree trunks were turned into life-like, magnificent masterpieces.
12. All royal barges were made by navy officers who are highly skilled in Thai craftsmanship.
13. Thai art is literally second to none and its greatness should be announced to the world.
14. Thai people should take pride in Thai art and preserve it as a national treasure.
15. It is a refined art that cannot be found elsewhere. No one can ever imitate its originality.
16. The next generation should never abandon Thai art, which is essentially a gift from ancestors.
17. Let the world know of the greatness of Thai art and the pride of Thai craftsman.
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Chapter III
The Song for the City
The beauty of Chao Phraya River is heavenly, while the City of Krungthep (Bangkok), as the name suggests, truly resembles the city of angels. Thai people enjoy peaceful lives under the guidance of Dharma for all eternity.
1. The Chao Phraya River has fostered Thailand’s economy and wealth for generations.
2. This is the land of moral people. Thailand is eternally peaceful despite all the turbulence in the world.
3. This is the land governed by Buddha’s teachings where Dharma has always been put into practice.
4. This is the city where the Emerald Buddha Image is located, guiding people to walk on the path of ethics.
5. Because their hearts are filled with virtue, Thai people are kind, friendly and always smiling.
6. Although some Thais may lag behind in terms of knowledge, they never lack the love for other people.
7. At night the city is lit up by candles, just like the light of Dharma that guides the way for Thai people from past until present.
8. Thai people usually have modest, simple houses, but they reflect the folk wisdom and rich culture.
Although the country is vast, the minds of Thai people always stay together.
9. The Thais love and care for each other regardless of sex and skin colors.
10. All the kings of Chakkri Dynasty have always been the center of all Thais’ loyalty.
11. The King is regarded as the heart of the country. His virtues have brought prosperity and peace to the people.
12. The tri-color flag of Thailand symbolizes the country’s greatness and will fly with pride in the global stage.
13. Bangkok is the city of Dharma where people are sincere and have good morals.
14. Thai people are kind-hearted. They can’t stay angry for too long, and their love is eternal.
15. Thai people accept their differences, but never let them bring about disunity. They are humble, yet very grateful for any favors they receive.
16. As long as Thai people maintain their unity and adhere to the Buddhist Dharma as their guidance,
17. Thailand and its name will last eternally as the land of peace and happiness.
Translated by Silpakorn Saengsinchai
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