Bangkok, Siam (Thailand): the royal barge on the river for the procession to the Kathin ceremony, 14 October 1865. Photograph by John Thomson, 1865.

The photograph shows the front half of the royal barge on the river. The barge was used by King Mongkut to proceed the ceremony for distribution of the Lenten robes. The photograph probably shows the barge after the ceremony had been completed, when the barge was moored in a klong. The prow is adorned with many dragons' heads. The rowers have their paddles raised skywards, demonstrating the "bird in flight" stroke. A similar scene to Thomson's negative number 608, but all the rowers are looking towards the camera and the picture is sharp. Should be combined with Thomson's negative number 609 (showing the rear half of the barge) for the full view. For further details see Paisarn Piemmettawat, loc. cit.