Photography Thailand Forum

[anna]

June 12 will be a spectacular celebration of the CENSORED WORD's 60th year ascent to the throne.  There will be 2,000 rowers, with 52(?) barges, including 4 royal barges.  TAT (tourism) and Thaiticketmaster are selling the tickets for a river view (bank of the river, I guess) or from a boat.  The boat is 3,000 baht per person and could be costly for a family of 4.  Has anyone seen the previous years' parade?  Any tips?  Photos feasible or too far?  Also, fyi, there will be rehearsal on three different dates prior to June 12.  All this information I read from The Nation yesterday.  Thanks.  Anna

[David Procter]

It'll be a hectic occasion!
Anna, dont forget to email me the assignement.
thanks
david

[Renato]

I believe this year's procession will be much better compared to the one held during the APEC meeting a few years back. If you think the boat ride is expensive you can go there early on that date to the Thonburi side as there will be more spaces being rented to those who will watch the procession. Although the Bangkok side will be better as the Wat Arun will be your background, you might not be able to get a good place as all the international guests will be watching it from this side. This is what I think will be your problem. If you have a good camera then photography is possible but most of the people will probably use their video cameras. Just imagine how many photographers will be going there having the same intention as you are so it is going to be a hell of a struggle to get a good position, who knows, you might be lucky.Jingle52648

[anna]

David, I don't see your email address in your photo gallery where I could email you your request. 
Jingle, thanks for the feedback on royal barge.  I may have to rethink my plans with the family in tow.  Anna

[Renato]

Hi Anna,

If you would like to know places of interest in Bangkok to shoot great photos visit the www.bangkoktourist.com and they have all the information there, with the maps and the nearby attractions, how to go. I am sure you wlll enjoy other places which you do not see in the travel brochures. The only thing I can not guarantee is when is the best time to go to make sure you have the correct lighting. I will tell you more on the places I recently visited. To tell you frankly, most of the places I went the first time I had to come back to re-shoot because of the wrong timing. Jingle52648

[mlsk]

I will be going to BKK to attend the rehersal on 6 june. Not sure what to expect, so I will bring my 350D+17-55kit lens+70-200+slik pro gm tripod ..... hope to survive the crowd and take some snaps!

[anna]

Thanks, Jingle.  I added website you gave in my folder.  It will be a big help as I try to cover as much events of Thailand as much as I can before our stay here is over.

mlsk, that's a good idea, too.  After reading your reply, I may go to that one instead of the real one.  Maybe the rehearsal won't be as chaotic.  And after witnessing the rehearsal, then there is still the option to go the the real one.  Same for me, no idea what to expect. 

[Renato]

Hi Anna,
I just read in the Bangkok Post today that the Royal Barge Procession on June 12 is moved 2 hours earlier, it will now be around 5:00 to 5:30 pm. The normal light will still be good by that time and I am sure you can get a good shots of the barges in formation. I am also thinking of going but still don't know where to be, there are a few options I found out during my recent Chao Phraya Boat trips, one of them is Phra Athit Pier where the Phrasumaine Fortress is located. I am also not expecting anything positive as I am sure the Thais will be there in droves. By the way, is it Negros in the Philippines where you grew up? I remember this is the source of Sugar cane produce, correct me if I am wrong though. I also travelled to the Philippines on holidays. I am sure the website will let you find out a lot of interesting places in Bangkok, they even have maps to guide you. 

[anna]

Thanks, Jingle.  As I said earlier, I will opt for the June 6 rehearsal and if it is really good and if needed, I could do the June 12 as well.  Great info on the change of time as I don't have a good tripod yet.  You mentioned about Phra Athit Pier.  I have not really looked into the details yet as I had been very busy the last few weeks.  I was thinking of purchasing tickets from Thaiticketmaster.  Do you mean you could still find a good spot without having to purchase a ticket?  I made a call but with my poor Thai could not get my message across.   The tickets are not cheap, either, 1,000 for River bank and 3,000 for a boat ride?  Each person. 

Yes, Negros in the Philippines is where I grew up.  We will be there for a few days in July before we take the land trip to Cebu.   It will be the first land trip for my kids.  Decided to take it instead of the usual plane so they get to see more of the countryside and...... photo opportunities for me.  Then fly to Manila and stay there for a few days.  All these will happen couiple weeks after our California trip in June.  So, I will have an armful of photos by the end of the summer! 

[Renato]

Hi Anna,
I was told the Baht 1,000 and Baht 3,000 tickets are all sold out. If you are however going to watch the rehearsal then I don't think you will have problems finding a good place to take photographs. It is only on June 12 that I feel the chances are slim to find an appropriate place. They also announced that there will be no fireworks during the actual event. Stay in Bangkok if you can during the next two to three weeks as there are so many events being staged to celebrate this 60th year of ascession to the throne. There will be plenty of places to take photos I am sure specially around the Sanam Luang area. After June 12 it will slow down a bit. I am sure you and your kids will enjoy the overland trip to Cebu, we will look forward to your posting some of your great shots in this forum.

[anna]

Hi, Jingle and mlsk,  I just viewed the internet for updates on the royal barge.  Disheartening.  All tickets sold out. Well, with 1,200 (Thai Bank) and 840(boat) seats available, chances of getting in are very slim.   On the news it says access to all public piers and Phra Pinklaw Bridge is prohibited.  Procession departs from Wasuki Pier up to Wat Arun.  Am not quite familiar with the river points. So I should go with your suggestions - etiher rent a space on Thonburi side or go to Phra Athit Pier?  Or if Phra Athit Pier is public pier, then access is closed.  I wonder if they will close this June 12 only and leave it open on rehearsals. 
Info further stated principal barge to be positioned at 5 pm along the Rama VIII Bridge.  Now am wondering if this would be closed as well.  I really want to witness this and please give tips on how this could be done most efficiently.  Meaning so I avoid going to one point only to find it close.  Maybe there would be restaurants that take reservations?  Just a thought.  Now, I have to look for a map with restaurants listing along the route of the procession.  Thanks.

[ChangFai]

A lot of your questions are answered here .

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/explore/20060520/index.php?news=explore_30004418.html

ChangFai

[anna]

Changfai, thanks. The article answered my questions.

[Renato]

Hi Anna,
As this event is a very special for the Thai people and the government offices closed on June 12, I think it is best to go and watch the rehearsals and chances are you will be able to take photos. I am quite familiar with the places around the Chao Phraya River but then there is no guarantee that I can manage to get a good position too not unless I go there 2 hours earlier. Since there is a huge demand for special places the prices seem to be going up everyday. There must be thousands of people watching this live so we just have to take our chances. Good luck.

[anna]

Hi, Jingle, I managed to get reservation today from the Thai Silk Society of which I am a member.  2000 baht per head and it will be at a private resident and limited number of people.  It will be for June 9.  However, I still plan to do another one prior to this.  Perhaps the May 29, 30 or June 6.  Then it will give me a preview of what to expect.  I will try those places you, mlsk and the website changfai suggested.  Thanks to all your help.