The grandeur of Queen Sirikit Park was recently elevated to new heights at a ceremonious event attended by some of Thailand’s most respected figures. Charanthada Karnasuta, a venerable Privy Councilor and the Chairman of the Queen Sirikit Park Foundation, graced the occasion alongside Thanpuying Charungjit Teekara, the meticulous Director and Secretary-General of the foundation. Stepping into this ensemble of leadership were Chadchart Sittipunt, the dynamic Governor of Bangkok, alongside other eminent public officials and devoted staff members of the park.
In this ceremonial haven, Their Majesties the King and Queen commenced the day’s reverent rituals by lighting incense sticks and candles, a sacred tribute to the Triple Gem. Such was the honor of the day that Narumon Lomthong, Director and Assistant Treasurer of the Queen Sirikit Park Foundation, presented an impressive program to His Majesty the King. This grand homage was mirrored as Wantanee Wattana, the diligent Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, joined hands with the foundation executives to extend their respected proposals to Her Majesty the Queen.
Adding a poignant layer to the event, Thanpuying Charungjit Teekara eloquently expressed her gratitude, recounting the thoughtful genesis and aspirational goals of this gathering. Her heartfelt invitation to the King and Queen to inaugurate the prestigious plaques of Queen Sirikit Park’s BGCI-standardized botanic garden and the imaginative From Mountain to River garden set a tone of awe and devotion. A symbolic act of harmony followed as they partook in planting yellow star trees and unleashing the vibrant freedom of carp to the waterways, a ceremonial act that married tradition with ecological mindfulness.
With earnest aplomb, Their Majesties transitioned from the ceremonial pavilion to a stately platform to unseal the plaques, representing the zenith of botanical excellence. The royal presence imbued the event with unparalleled grandeur as they returned to share alms with monks, participating in the sacred offering and blessing rituals which suffused the pavilion with tranquility.
A crescendo of musical artistry encapsulated the event when the renowned Chalermrat Band, conducted by 2017’s National Artist in Performing Arts, Wirach Yoothaworn, serenaded the audience. The stirring anthem “Ton Mai Kong Por” (Father’s Tree) was delivered with emotive fervor by Thongchai McIntyre and fellow vocalists from the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, draping the air in sonic wonderment and national pride.
The ethereal grace of traditional Khon dancers captured the imaginations of attendees. Under the expert direction of first-generation maestros, Yuthana and Klakool Akkaradechanat, the performers from the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre presented a captivating repertoire in five dramatic acts, each narrating a chapter of royal benevolence and cultural heritage, evoking the legacy of King Rama X with each gesture and stanza.
The celebrations ascended towards a poignant zenith with the regal music score “Tam Roi Khwam Dee” (Following the Goodness), a contemporary piece composed to celebrate the King’s sixtieth birthday cycle in July 2024. Each note resonated as a harmonious tribute, amplifying the significance of the King’s enduring legacy.
Amidst this tapestry of cultural homage, Their Majesties ventured to the exhibit area to ponder the visionary designs of the Queen Sirikit Park’s BGCI-certified botanic garden and the From Mountain to River garden. They then applied nurturing hands to the earth, planting a duo of yellow star trees, symbols of prosperity and continuity. In a conscientious accord with nature, 172 spirited carp were released into the garden’s serene waterscape. From this vibrant aquatic life emerged a tableau encouraging onlookers to appreciate the interwoven beauty and the profound insights of ecological conservation.
Six distinctive species of carp, including vibrant Koharu and regal Aka Matsuba, were chosen to populate the waters by Their Majesties’ intent, each type adding to the rich mosaic of life that invigorated the garden’s essence. A paragon of Queen Sirikit’s visionary philosophy, the garden flourished into a microcosm of ecological diversity, earning its rightful certification by the BGCI on the auspicious date of September 16, 2024, a remarkable testament honored on the King’s birthday.
The realization of the From Mountain to River garden, a partnership of profound respect between the Queen Sirikit Park Foundation and the BMA, illuminates the altruistic legacies of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother. Together, they inspired a generation with royal endeavors across the vast terrains of Thailand, imprinting initiatives of growth and sustainability.
His Majesty the King’s unwavering dedication to ecological restoration, an extension of the Queen Mother’s royal intent, manifests in this verdant haven, cultivating a biodiversity teeming with the vitality of a thriving forest. As visitors meander through this captivating landscape, they witness the integration of saplings nurtured by the King’s own hands, planted with love in regions from the North to the South—a living legacy enduring within this botanically rich tapestry, inspiring education, enlightenment, and ecological awareness for generations to come.
It’s heartening to see such cultural and ecological initiatives being led by the monarchy. It’s a beautiful tribute to the natural world.
Agreed, but I wonder if it’s enough to combat the broader environmental challenges Thailand faces.
Every little step matters, but you’re right, more systemic changes are necessary.
It’s not only about combatting challenges, but also about raising awareness and showing leadership in conservation efforts.
It’s ironic how much attention these ceremonies get while real environmental policies lag behind. A garden doesn’t replace the need for legislation.
True, but such events bring issues to the public eye and inspire people to act.
Raising awareness is great, but we need concrete actions to make a difference.
Legislation is slow, but cultural shifts are the first step to any policy change!
Sometimes history needs a little ceremony. It’s how we remember what’s important.
The monarchy’s involvement in ecological projects is much appreciated. They’ve always been more hands-on than other royals around the world.
That’s true, but do they really follow through on their projects or are these just photo-ops?
They often support significant long-term projects. It’s not just for show.
It’s incredible how much cultural and royal legacy is tied up with ecological symbolism like the yellow star trees.
Do you think this focus on symbolism detracts from the urgent need for practical solutions, though?
The BGCI certification is a big deal. It recognizes the international standard the park is meeting.
Yes, and it serves as a model for other countries looking to preserve botanical gardens with a focus on sustainability.
I loved reading about the Khon dancers! Traditions should always be kept alive, especially when they represent national pride.
Too bad the poorer rural areas don’t see such grand events for their benefit.
Royal projects are often targeted at under-developed regions; maybe you should look deeper?
Exactly! The events often bring focus and funding to rural revitalization projects.
It’s amazing how an event like this attracts a global audience interested in Thailand’s culture and environmental efforts.
It’s one thing to hold an event, and quite another to sustain long-term change. We should be watching what happens in the next few years.
The release of 172 carp caught my attention. Such specific numbers must have cultural significance, right?
Absolutely, numbers carry great symbolism in many Asian cultures, typically representing prosperity and good fortune.
Why aren’t similar projects more prevalent across the globe? Every country could benefit from such beautiful gardens.
I visited Queen Sirikit Park last year; it’s stunning! These ceremonies must have made it even more magical.
Sounds lovely! Did you notice any environmental education efforts during your visit?