Chonburi Red Cross chief
Busarawadee Ekachai lays flower ornaments to pay homage to King Naresuan
on Thai Armed Forces Day.
Gov. Khomsan Ekachai laid wreaths at the city’s King
Naresuan Monument as Chonburi marked Thailand Armed Forces Day, which
commemorates the fabled king’s defeat of a Burmese army on the back of
an elephant.
Khomsan led the flower-garland ceremony Jan. 18 with wife and Chonburi
Red Cross chief Busarawadee joining in for the Taksinannupthan
merit-making ceremony. In a speech, the governor recalled the legend of
the 16th century king whose exploits still are the subjects of movie
blockbusters. The king’s 1593 battle against Burmese invaders in 2005
became Royal Thai Armed Forces Day. The king’s death is also
commemorated in April.
Born in 1555, Naresuan was king of the Ayutthaya Kingdom from 1590 until
his death in 1605. He was known for his campaigns to free Siam from
Burmese rule and his numerous wars helped Siam reach its greatest
territorial extent and influence.
During the Chonburi ceremony, Khomsan retold the romanticized version of
the battle that has come to be known as “Yuddhahatthi.” According to the
fable, which has been retold and embellished over the centuries,
Naresuan was about to invade Cambodia when he had to change plans to
beat back an attack from Burmese Prince Minchit Sra.
During the battle, Naresuan’s elephants went mad and ran into the midst
of the Burmese. Siamese legend contends the Burmese tried to fool the
defenders with Minchit imposters, but Naresuan was able to point out the
real general and challenged him to a one-on-one battle on the back of
elephants. The Siamese king suffered a cut to the head, but fought back,
slashing the Burmese prince to death. (CPRD)
