Gov. Khomsan Ekachai
lights candles and incense at the alter to remember HM King Naresuan.
Gov. Khomsan Ekachai laid wreaths at the city’s King
Naresuan Monument as Thailand marked the anniversary of the death of the
fabled king who defeated the Burmese on the back of an elephant.
Khomsan led the flower-garland ceremony April 25,
recalling 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 and his
death is celebrated each 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)
