Page 1
Page 2
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
We sincerely thank the Bureau of the Royal Household for graciously giving us their kind permission and making available photos for publishing in this tribute to HM the King. We also sincerely thank the Associated Press, Peter Cummins and the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand for allowing us to use their photos to publish in this tribute to our beloved HM the King. We acknowledge some of the vast array of source materials available, with the definitive work produced in 1998 by the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand, The King of Thailand in World Focus, offering an invaluable insight into the life of HM the King. In-flight magazines such as Sawasdee and Kinnaree and numerous individual authors such as Bonnie Davis, Denis Gray, John Hoskin and Harry Rolnick have also been insightful sources. On behalf of all who have contributed to this publication, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the many sponsors who have generously supported this tribute to our Beloved King, to honour him on this most auspicious occasion of His eighty-seventh birthday. The management and staff of Pattaya Mail, Pattaya Blatt, Chiang Mai Mail and PMTV humbly dedicate this publication to honour and express our love and loyalty to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great on the auspicious occasion of His eighty-seventh birthday.
Long Live the King 5 December 2014
www.pattayamail.com
www.pattayablatt.com
www.chiangmai-mail.com
www.pattayamail.tv
Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd. 62/284-286 Moo 12, Thepprasit Road, Pattaya City 20150. Tel: (+66) 0 3841 1240-1, 0 3841 3240-1 Fax: (+66) 0 3842 7596 E-mail: ptymail@pattayamail.com | www.pattayamail.com Page 2
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
His Majesty the King greets Peter Cummins at the Klai Kangwon Palace reception.
Foreword here have been a vast number of publications, articles, books, films and anecdotes recording the remarkable life of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great the world’s longest-reigning - and a truly remarkable Monarch. These tributes which span the lifetime of his incredible achievements, dedication to his people and love of his country, have reached a vast audience world-wide and an enormous cross-section of the world’s media. Now, on the occasion of HM the King’s 87th birthday, the Pattaya Mail has published a special edition, focusing on the King as a Gold Medal helmsman and the source of Thailand’s meteoric rise on the world stage, as a nation of sailing excellence and a formidable competitor in world-wide yachting and sailing events. But, first, a little about my own involvement and why I feel competent to write such a special story. I was born in Tasmania, which the few non-Antipodeans who have heard of it, know it as an insignificant island, somewhere south of Sydney. The capitol of the state, Hobart, later became the finishing point of one of the world’s toughest blue-water classics, the famous
“Sydney-Hobart”, a 628-nautical mile annual yacht race through Bass Strait which separates Tasmania from Australia and, itself, is a treacherous, unforgiving crossing. Many have perished in the effort. One of the briefings for the eager competitors I heard some years ago, before the start of a “Sydney-Hobart” when the fleets set off from sunny Sydney, was “Beware: if you miss Tasmania, the next stop is the Antarctic, through the world’s harshest water-ways, the dreaded Southern Ocean.” I took to sailing at a very young age. In those days, it required three rather small boys, sailing a four-metre open dinghy in usually strong southerly winds and bitterly-cold seas. The main goal was not to capsize. Hypothermia was never far away; in fact, just below the few centimetres of the dinghy’s free-board. Learning to sail in the frigid waters of Tasmania and to develop a great respect for the sea were rather fortuitous, for years later, through sailing, I was privileged to meet and sail with, in a most informal manner, HM the King of Thailand and spend some treasured hours with Their Majesties, the King, the Queen and some members of the Royal family. Page 3
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 4
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Contents Foreword ............................................................................................................................ 3 Prologue ............................................................................................................................. 7 Thailand: A Seafaring Nation ........................................................................................ 8 The 1950s-1960s: Sailing Thrives ................................................................................ 11 Gold Medal Helmsman ................................................................................................. 15 His Majesty’s Solo Trans-Gulf Crossing .................................................................... 22 A Return to Sailing ......................................................................................................... 26 HM The King: The Royal Imprimatur of Sailing and All Sports ......................... 29 Sailing With the King .................................................................................................... 35 Not Over.......................................................................................................................... 40 Après-voile ....................................................................................................................... 42 The Phuket King’s Cup ................................................................................................ 46 Epilogue ............................................................................................................................ 51
Page 5
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 6
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Prologue here are just so many facets of His Majesty’s fruitful life that are so well known. As well as the enormous responsibilities and burdens he has shouldered in his dedication to his people as King, he is an accomplished musician (many instruments) and composer, a painter, an inventor, a photographer, a boat designer and builder and, not the least, a Gold Medallist dinghy sailor. This last attribute was to be my introduction to the King of Thailand. The Pattaya Mail Media Group, awarded again this year, for the 16th time as the leading newspaper on the Eastern Seaboard, has been my conduit to present this special story. The Mail has published several of my books and feature stories on HM the King, particularly regarding his sailing prowess as an example to ALL sailors, not just in the Kingdom but, through international involvement, to sailors everywhere. Now, to honour His Majesty’s 87th birthday the Mail publishes a new story, focused on the King’s love of the sea and sailing, a legacy which has fostered a huge
interest, not only for Thai people, but for sailing in the world-at-large. Thai teams are winning world championships, competing in successive SEA and Asian Games, including the most recent the 17th Asiad at Incheon, Korea and, of course, many Olympiads. Furthermore, Thailand has hosted many world events, here in Pattaya, in Phuket and Hua Hin - all directly related to His Majesty’s own skills, enthusiasm and love of the sea. The following story is my attempt to recall the most cherished moments of my years in the Kingdom, when I spent some precious time with Their Majesties, via the dinghy world. I have strayed a little from the main theme of this narrative - gone “offshore”, so to speak - to write about a few of the accolades for the King, from world-wide sources: awards and honours presented to him, for his unstinting support of all sports and his dedication to his own people. I hope the reader will forgive my occasional reversion to a “first person” monologue, for I feel that this is a rather personal story of one man’s experience. Page 7
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Thailand: A Seafaring Nation ffinity to the sea has always been a trait of the Thai people - understandingly so, as the Kingdom is blessed with a beautiful littoral, marvellous beaches, warm waters and gentle thermals - not forgetting the generous nature of the Thai people - which are still the great attractions of the Kingdom. Perhaps even more so today, as tourists, jaded by miserable climates and cold waters of their home countries, now flock to Thailand, like migratory birds in the millions, escaping dreadful, dark winters. They take to the Thai maritime and beach environment by the “plane-load”. In the days of yore, Phuket, known then as Jung Ceylon, was a way-station on the trade routes to the fabulous Cathay. Sailing - or rather dinghy sailing - was introduced by the Danes and Dutch who were in the Kingdom towards the end of the 19th century, as consultants building rail-roads. They sailed a motley collection of craft near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River and, as one would expect, they also partied wildly. The following excerpts of sailing history are dedicated to a “King on land and sea,” as one of the many celebrations of his 87th birthday, the fifth of December.
OK dinghies lined up “Ready for action”.
Page 8
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Peter Cummins (TH-302) closes in on the King, but was unable to keep pace with The Monarch who sailed on to line honours.
Page 9
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 10
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
HM the King sailing his own-built OK dinghy, the “Vega” out off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, South Pattaya.
The 1950s-1960s: Sailing Thrives heir Majesties the King and Queen together with members of the Royal Family had some notable sojourns in South Pattaya in those days and, often, there were gatherings of visiting royals, such as the future Queen of Denmark - then a Princess - and Thai “blue bloods” to share the fun and the sailing. Such sailing greats as Prince Birabongse Bhanubandh and Dr Rachot Kanjanavanit were frequently present.
After the founding of the Varuna Marine Club in South Pattaya in July 1957, there were many gatherings on the South Pattaya foreshore. One memorable event was in April 1965, when the British Royal Consort, Prince Philip joined a race from Pattaya to Koh Larn and back. Prince Philip, a Dragon class sailor of Olympic standards, was not exactly covered in glory and his placing in the 23-strong fleet, was not well publicized. Page 11
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
HM the King learning to sail, with his “tutor” HSH Prince Bhisadej.
HSH Prince Bhisadej, the King’s long-time associate and one of the dedicated promoters of sailing, liked to remind everyone that his wife, MR Datchatee, sailed with Prince Philip on that fateful day! One other of the group assembled on the Pattaya foreshore, H.E. Sebastiao de Castello-Branco, the then Portuguese Ambassador to Thailand, noted that, “While the race was not exactly an Olympian qualifying trial, a great picnic on Koh Larn and the later banquet at the Marine Club, hosted by Their Majesties, were ample rewards for the day’s outing.” Philip was so delighted, regardless of his poor placing that, upon return to the UK, he despatched a wooden catamaran as a gift to the King. It was the first “Cat” in Thailand where there are now a myriad types and styles, built here in the Kingdom - no more wooden ones, but built with sophisticated fibreglass, carbon fibres and aluminium. Apart from this famous race, which has become an annual long-distance event in the Gulf, now known as the “Three Islands Race”, the event is still held and joins Page 12
many other such challenges, contributing to the “sailing golden era of the 1950s and 1960s”. Several other highlights now relate to the sailing folklore formed during these decades, and are now essentially part of Thailand’s sailing history. For example, the King’s Trans-Gulf crossing solo in his OK dinghy, and the King and eldest daughter Princess Ubolratana sharing a Gold Medal in the Fourth South East Asia Peninsular Games (now the SEA Games) are celebrated annually, even some half a century later. The King also established a dinghy club, the Royal Chitrlada Yacht Squadron at the Klai Kangwon Palace at Hua Hin and bestowed His Royal Patronage on the Varuna Marine Club which, in July 1957, became known as the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, the Kingdom’s biggest and most active. Somehow, during these decades, the King also found time to build some more dinghies and designed the “Mod”, a small, light version of the International Moth class, very suitable for the generally light-framed Thai sailors. The craft was used as a class in successive Southeast Asian Games.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 13
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 14
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Gold Medal Helmsman n December 16, 1967, world sporting history was established right here in Pattaya and it was an event that probably will never be equalled anywhere. At the National Stadium in Bangkok on that day, His Majesty the King and his eldest daughter, Princess Ubolratana mounted the winners’ podium to receive Gold Medals from Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. It was the Awards Ceremony of the Fourth South East Asia Peninsular (SEAP) Games. King Bhumibol, racing OK dinghy number 27, and his eldest daughter Princess Ubolratana, sailing OK 18, finished equal first in the OK Dinghy Division of those games. The King had been disqualified in the third race, for a minor infraction and, in true sporting spirit, he retired from that race, moving the Princess up a step on the standings. It was only in the last race, where the
Princess, trailing father, with the late Dr Rachot Kanjanavanit in the lead, made some quick manoeuvres on the last beat to the finishing line. Although the petite Princess was over-whelmed by the strong north-easterly prevailing in Pattaya Bay, she used guile and an experience, far in excess of her tender 15 years, to win this last race. By tacking on wind-shifts, the Princess crossed the fleet to finish first and equal on points with the King, who still trailed Dr. Rachot, in third place. When a father and daughter finish equal first in an international yachting competition, it is history. But when the equal winners are a King and his daughter, a Princess, it is immortal. That day, December 16, a half-century ago, was enshrined as Thailand’s National Sports Day, in honour of the occasion.
HM the King receives his Gold Medal from HM the Queen at the SEAP Games, December 16, 1967.
Page 15
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
One other famous father/daughter sailing team was the Elvstroms who sailed the most difficult “Flying Dutchman” Class (the Elvstroms were Danish!) to a third placing in the Melbourne Olympics, in 1956. The founding of the Varuna Marine Club on 1 July 1957 - now known as the Royal Varuna Yacht Club was also to have a great impact on yacht racing, sailing, and later, other marine-related activities in Thailand, from the 1960s onwards. With Walter Meyer as the Marine Club’s first Flag Commodore (known then as Chairman of the Board) and Prince Bhisadej in charge of the sailing programmes, the Varuna Marine Club opened at a beautiful sea-side villa “in a Pattaya,” recalled Walter, “of about 20 fisher-folk and a beautiful, sparkling marine environment.” Walter’s memory of those halcyon days - and nights was vivid. How could the ‘Chairman of the Board’ ever
Page 16
forget that he had to borrow two thousand baht from his wife to pay the rent for the new club? When His Majesty the King bestowed Royal Patronage in April, 1965, the Varuna Marine Club became the Royal Varuna Yacht Club. At the same time, His Majesty established the Royal Chitrlada Yacht Squadron at the Klai Kangwol Palace, Hua Hin which is still the home for some 100 OK dinghies of the King’s own fleet. The late 1950s and the 1960s were the golden age of yachting, with the Royal Family and other Thai and visiting Royals, ambassadors and various luminaries all taking an active part in the racing programmes and the festivities, principally around the Varuna Club at South Pattaya. His Majesty became a frequent and enthusiastic helmsman around the South Pattaya waters - as well as at his own dinghy club at Hua Hin - sailing his Enterprise dinghy the Rajpatan with Prince Bhisadej as crew and chief tactician.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
HM the King and HRH Princess Ubolratana on the winners’ podium: SEAP Games, December 1967.
Page 17
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 18
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
It was Prince Bhisadej , an excellent and experienced sailor himself, who introduced the King to - and tutored him in - the intricacies of dinghy sailing, recalling how quickly his ‘protégé’ learned. When at university in the UK earlier, the Prince realized that the cold, restricting rivers and waterways around Cambridge were no match for his own beloved Gulf of Thailand - the warmth, gentle breeze and huge expanses of water. So, upon return, he started sailing an old “Snipe” (then Olympic Games single-hander), a heavy, teak craft which leaked and capsized often and, now, is probably serving as a dinner table somewhere, because of the beautiful teak-wood used in its construction. So, he built a “Heron” class car-topper and was sailing along, in slight winds, off Hua Hin, when a strong young man sculled past him. On beaching, the rower, who was also the King of Thailand, examined the Prince’s boat
HM the King reveling in the challenge of the sea.
HM the King predicts Peter Cummins will be seventh in the next race – and he was right.
and marvelled how one could be satisfied to move so slowly - especially when there was little wind. But, the King, always quick to envision situations, was already planning his first dinghy, as he left the beach. Soon, the two men were building the King’s first Enterprise, in a boatyard converted from a back room at the Chitrlada Palace, back in 1964. The King’s enthusiasm, coupled to his carpentry skills, gave much rise to the humour - and loving hard work - that pervaded the atmosphere of the boatyard. Sometimes the King arrived, ready to work on the dinghy, still dressed in an outfit he had been wearing for an official function that had been held that day. HM the King hand-finished all the pieces of the dinghy, taking special care with such parts as the “king post” (a support for the deck-stepped mast) and the “king plank” (first side-strip). Page 19
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
It was hardly by chance, then, the boat was named Rajpatan meaning roughly “Royal Pattern”- seeing HM the King cut and almost “sculptured” most of the pieces himself. As HSH Prince Bhisadej was in charge of sailing at the Varuna Marine Club on the South Pattaya beach, he was responsible for obtaining the number for the new boat from the UK-based international association. It was so beautifully built, it was “number one,” in fact. The number allocated to the Rajpatan? E-TH 11111.” The Prince was also the King’s sailing coach. Naturally, though, as for any other novice, there were pitfalls along the way for the royal sailor. On one of their first outings on Pattaya Bay in the Rajpatan, the King was helming beautifully, preparing to undertake a gybe - a difficult enough manoeuvre at any time. Prince Bhisadej coached the King through the steps to be followed. Nothing happened and there was no response from the helm. Page 20
Bhisadej looked aft to see the King swimming strongly towards the dinghy: during the gybe, he had fallen overboard. But there was another “naming” story, to emanate from the Chitrlada Boatyard. This was when the King and Bhisadej were building His Majesty’s first OK dinghy. The King was engrossed in laying the keel, the most difficult and crucial step in building a dinghy. There was an explosion outside but the King could not be distracted from his intricate task. The two men wished each other a “Happy New Year”, for the detonation was a firework, exploded to celebrate the arrival of New Year, 1965, and they continued on with building of the dinghy. The King immediately seized upon the name of the embryo OK dinghy: Naowarerk, meaning roughly “auspicious event.” What could be more appropriate for a dinghy born on a New Year’s Eve?”
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 21
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
His Majesty’s Solo Trans-Gulf Crossing pril 19 is just another day for many people. But for countless yachting enthusiasts in the Kingdom, this day has a special significance: it was 48 years ago on 19 April 1966, that HM the King of Thailand made his historic trans-Gulf crossing in the solo OK sailing dinghy, the “Vega”. Leaving the beach in front of the Klai Kangwon Palace at Hua Hin in the pre-dawn darkness His Majesty sailed across the Gulf to the Thai Navy base at Toey Harbour in Sattahip, beaching again in darkness, some 16 hours and 60 nautical miles later. A sailor only needs one hour on a small dinghy, pitching and bucking, fighting every wave and hanging over the side to keep it from capsizing, to understand the sheer skill, stamina and determination His Majesty displayed in that momentous trans-Gulf crossing. Page 22
Still energetic after the event, the King then proceeded to look around the base as though he had just arrived by air-conditioned car, although there was, of course a sort of air-conditioning on the “Vega” if you like - a 15-knot south-westerly monsoon blowing over you. The Royal Thai Navy had constructed a monument to mark the King’s accomplishment and His Majesty proceeded to plant a flag atop the structure, “signing” it with a chisel into the rock-face. At the time, the crossing was regarded as the longest single-handed journey in an open dinghy, out of sight of land. It was this example that spawned a number of round-the-world single-handed races. It also inspired two teen-aged girls, a Dutch and an Australian who sailed around the world alone, in the past two years, even in the inhospitable Southern Ocean and around Cape Horn: some 400 days - and nights, of course - all alone, at the mercy of the vagaries of the ocean.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
HM the King “plants the flag� at the Sattahip Royal Naval Base at Toey Harbour, after his Trans-gulf crossing.
Page 23
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
At work at Chitralada Villa, building one of His dinghies.
Page 24
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
HM the King building the OK dinghy, “Vega II”.
Their stories made me head for my easy chair and start reading a simple book. That was enough adventure for this converted “landlubber”. Three others accompanied the King on the crossing, sailing their own boats. One of them was, of course, Prince Bhisadej. As he groaned up the beach at Sattahip, Bhisadej’s great fear was that the King would summon him to sail the return leg the following day. But his fears were unfounded for the “return” leg did not really take place until some four years later. After the crossing, His Majesty gave the rudder of the Vega to the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the national authority, as the trophy for an annual TransGulf ” race from Sattahip to Hua Hin. That marked the beginning of the Vega Rudder race and the “return,” from Sattahip to Hua Hin, was sailed in 1970. The inaugural trans-Gulf race was won by Dr. Rachot Kanjanavanit.
In that torrid race, the slower craft started at 3.00 a.m., to beach, finally, in front of the Klai Kangwol Palace at around 9:00 in the evening. Those who could still walk after about twenty hours on the same tack across the Gulf, went up to the Palace to be greeted by the Monarch. The Trans-Gulf crossing was changed to a race that generally kept the fleet in sight of the eastern shore of the Gulf, each year sailing a different course set by the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand. Now, the “Vega Ruder Race” is an integral part of the Royal Thai Navy/Yacht Racing Association of Thailand’s annual Hua Hin Regatta. Many from the Eastern Shore sail across to participate. But, they are an entirely different “breed” to the open OK dinghy of the King. In fact, some of these super-fast fibreglass catamarans can sail over the Gulf in four hours or less! Page 25
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
A Return to Sailing owards the end of 1960, His Majesty was unable to sail, for affairs of state and his dedication to the Thai people were initiatives that occupied him totally. Then in early 1970, it was most assuring for the country to see His Majesty robust and vigorous and heading for the beach. Thus it was a joyous day when the King’s OK dinghy was drawn up on the Hua Hin beach, rigged and ready for the Royal helmsman. For the yachting fraternity, it was, of course, the best news of the decade. It had been well over 10 years since the King had entered competitive dinghy racing. Although he never did entirely abandon his beloved sport, it was only after this hiatus that he had taken any time to relax at the helm of “Vega II.” “Back in the saddle”, so to speak, in the mid 1980s, with the King’s “return to the sea”, his team from the Chitrlada Yacht Squadron renewed the long-dormant rivalry with the Royal Thai Navy sailors. More regattas eventuated and one, in particular, was memorable. It was the south-westerly Monsoon season, with turbulent seas, strong storms and unpredictable
conditions. His Majesty showed that his absence from sailing for a decade had not diminished his skills. Sailing his OK dinghy, he registered a great victory. Finishing second was Pol Maj Gen Praphatpao Panyachiwa and in third-place was Capt Vatinna Puengprakiat. The action opened with some 80 OK dinghies battling high waves, strong winds and front-line squalls. The King was “first across”, to use a nautical term, and his team won, the Royal Chitrlada Squadron beating the Royal Thai Navy team quite convincingly. The conditions were tough but all sailors enjoyed a fine day’s sailing. The day’s action was followed by a colourful awards ceremony at the hall of the Klai Kangwol Palace. On the next day, the dinghies, with the King heading the fleet, sailed to the Royal Gardens village for lunch. The fleet raced back, competing for Her Majesty the Queen’s Trophy. Who won it? The King. It was almost a flash-back to the Gold Medal Awards presentation at the SEAP Games in 1967, when Her Majesty presented the winners’ awards to the King and their daughter, Princess Ubolratana.
HM the King and HSH Prince Bhisadej head for the dinghies at the Palace beach.
Page 26
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
HM the King greets sailors prior to a race.
Page 27
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 28
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
HM The King: The Royal Imprimatur of Sailing and All Sports he King’s nautical record, as a skilled helmsman and Gold Medal sailor, was matched by a land-based one, the King being the only person to have lit the torch opening the quadrennial Asian Games on four occasions, last time being in Bangkok in 1998, at the Rajamangala Stadium, just one day after his seventy-first birthday. (T he 17 th Asian Games, with sailing events dominated by the Thai teams, were held at Incheon, Korea, in September and October this year). When His Majesty trained a magnifying glass on the torch to ignite the flame opening the Thirteenth Asian Games in December 1998, it was symbolic. The Monarch, an ardent supporter of all sports in the Kingdom and elsewhere was, through that simple ritual, figuratively conducting sunlight, and the blessing it brings, onto the Games. From another viewpoint, His Majesty’s care for the
environment and the natural state of the ecology as a life support system for his subjects is also well known. What better way to light the torch than using nature’s own power? More appropriately, regarding the King’s total support of Thai athletes and sports generally, on the eve of that edition of the Games, His Majesty addressed the athletes, officials and supporters gathered at the Palace: “All sports must be played according to the rules,” HM the King exhorted the teams. His Majesty pointed out to those assembled at the Palace in 1988, to “show spirit and aim for victory and friendship. If everybody does their best to win in both sports and friendship, the country will benefit.” The King added, “A successful Asian Games would show that the enthusiasm of Thai people had not been dulled by the then country’s dire economic crisis.”
The OK storage at the Klai Kangwon Palace.
Page 29
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
He urged sportsmanship above all else. “Other competitors should not be regarded as enemies, but rather as fellow competitors,” the King concluded. Thus, the King has consistently encouraged all sportsmen and women everywhere, to “put the sporting spirit first, strive for victory - and friendship.” His own example has always been a great source of inspiration to athletes. His performance at the 1967 SEAP Games, noting a well-accepted disqualification in one race, was an example for all to follow. His Majesty is also well known as being highlyknowledgeable about many sports having, at various times, participated himself in skiing, motor racing, ice-skating, badminton, tennis, swimming and even a little golf. As the then-president of the Thailand Olympic Committee, the late Air Chief Marshal Dawee Chullasapya emphasized when presenting the King with the highly-prestigious honour of “The Insignia of the Olympic Order”, at the Rajanives Hall, Chitralada Palace, in December 1987: “His Majesty the King is
not just a world-class yachtsman, but he has also participated in - and encouraged - many other sports.” “The Olympic award was made not only to recognize the King’s prowess as a dinghy sailor,” said ACM Dawee, “but also to acknowledge the leading role he has played in promoting all sports - in Thailand, in the region and internationally - always displaying a firm grasp on the history and the finer points of a multitude of sports,” ACM Dawee added. His Majesty is the only reigning Monarch to receive this accolade. Another Olympic honour was bestowed upon His Majesty in 2001, when the International Olympic Committee presented him with the IOC’s “Lalounis Cup”. In boxing, too, the King has proved to be most knowledgeable. In 2001, president of the World Boxing Council, Dr Jose Sulaiman, in bestowing upon His Majesty the WBC’s “Golden Shining Symbol of World Leadership Award”, was “amazed at the King’s knowledge of boxing”. Whereupon, the King urged Dr Sulaiman “to promote boxing not only as a sport ... but also as an art of self-defence.”
HM the King greets Peter Cummins at Klai Kangwon Palace, 1985.
Page 30
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Their Majesties the King and the Queen enjoying the informal ambience at Klai Kangwon Palace.
Peter Cummins accepts his “regatta “Gold” from HM the King.
Page 31
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
HM the King receives his “trophy� from HM the Queen.
Page 32
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
The King ready to sail… and then beating to windward ahead of a developing storm.
In Mexico, August 11, 2003, through the Royal Thai Embassy in Mexico City, the King, in turn, bestowed the title of “Second Class Knight Commander of the Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn” on Dr Sulaiman - one of the highest Royal Awards ever to be conferred on a sports official. Another sportsman who enjoyed Royal recognition was snooker player Noppadol Saengnil. His Majesty had watched Noppadol play and learned that this talented young man had been chosen by the Asian Confederation of Billiards Sport to represent the region in the 2003-2004 Challenge Tour in Britain, but there was no funding. His Majesty awarded Noppadol a grant,
The ‘Town Crier” reads out the results.
drawn from his own personal funds, to ensure that the rising snooker star would be able to participate. Back to the present: The International Olympic (IOC) Committee President, Thomas Bach, announced that the King was to be awarded the IOC honour specifically - and only - to “heads of states who have made great contributions to sports.” Mr Bach pointed out that “the King was an athlete, playing several sports and a Gold Medal helmsman in the 1967 SEAP Games.” Furthermore, Mr Bach noted that the King “had been a patron of several sports associations and tournaments, presiding over the opening of several Asiads.” Page 33
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 34
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Sailing With the King ne weekend in July, 1985, my good fortune was to come to fruition, for I was assigned by the Bangkok Post to write-up and photograph a regatta between the King’s fleet and the Royal Thai Navy (both with a few co-opted sailors) and all the action for an event called the “Gold Cup” which was after the rainy season had started. The Klai Kangwon (Summer) Palace looked superb. My luck was holding, for I was assigned an OK dinghy and “co-opted’ to join the race. I could always write-up the story for the Post later and I was not going to miss the chance of sailing for the King’s team off Klai Kangwon where the King’s fleet of some 100 OK dinghies were ‘housed’, kept in “mint” condition. Klai Kangwon means, roughly, “far from worries”. What a name and location for the King who needed to be at least “worry free” for a while. The palace was built in Spanish-style architecture in 1929, and
was also known as the “Summer Palace” where the King and members of the Royal Family spent the summer. The palace consists of three mansions facing the sea and was constructed to the north of Hua Hin under the royal command of King Rama VII.
Page 35
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
The palace, with its magnificent façade, stood out three-dimensional against the sparkling trees, grass and flowers which led down to the sea wall. And beyond, to delight the eye of the sailor, could be seen the upper triangle of the sails of a large fleet of OK dinghies, rigged and drawn up on the shorefront. HM the King’s own Royal Chitralada Yacht Squadron club was annexed to the Summer Palace and, like any gathering of sailors, it buzzed with activity and anticipation of the race to come. The conversation ceased abruptly. His Majesty appeared, smiled at the gathering, checked the wind and weather and turned his attention to the immediate priority: a dinghy race. HM the King talked to various members of the group who, beside being dinghy sailors, were all members of the Royal Household staff- ADC’s, police, doctors, as
HM the King’s maritime legacy passes down through a new generation. HRH Princess Bajarakitiyabha, the Royal Granddaughter sailing off the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, circa 2002.
Page 36
well as husbands of some of the Ladies of the Court and the ladies themselves. HM the King led the sailors down to the beach where the dinghies were lined up, rigged and ready for battle. The tide was low and there was a light on-shore-westerly. HM the King looked at one of the dinghies: “How are you going to sail in these conditions with a sail like that,” he admonished one helmsman, easing the outhaul to change the contours of the sail. Nothing escaped him; he checked a few more of the dinghies, made a few adjustments, made a few comments. But there was a surprise. In front of the stand which held life jackets, was a scale-model sloop-rigged yacht, about one metre long, and a remote-control panel. After a brief inspection, His Majesty sent the yacht out on the sea, in a strong offshore wind. The King allowed the yacht to sail about 500 metres off the shore, manipulating the remote control panel to send the yacht tacking, gybing, luffing, reaching and running. To send it out was easy; but to bring it back against the wind, tide and waves? His Majesty’s hand danced across the panel; the yacht did likewise across the sea.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
The Royal Chritralada Yacht Squadron, Klai Kangwol Palace: Home of some one hundred OK dinghies.
Page 37
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 38
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
He even managed to bring it in to less than knee-deep water, by heeling it hard in a squall to reduce the keel depth. But, then for the serious business of dinghy racing. The fleet of OK dinghies, with His Majesty, slightly to windward and in front, sailed to the start line. The race was sailed in light, shifting conditions and featured a very close race, with Prince Bhisadej, Khun Prapatphao, the Peter Cummins (the “Farang khon deow”), His Majesty and Khun Krirk all close together, in that order, around most of the course. On the last beat, the winds started playing more tricks and the difficult decision was whether to play for the wind “out” or go in along the shore. Krirk and Prapatphao chose the latter and, in a very exciting finish, Krirk raced over the line 13 seconds ahead, to win the RCYS regatta. The race finished, the fleet sailed to shore- not so easy with the shifting winds. But, of course, no presentation of trophies can be made until the very last competitor had arrived. He was certainly fairly close to the shore but, the unfortunate man, who must remain anonymous, was having much trouble tacking in. It was time for the “remote control” which had worked nicely before, under His Majesty’s skilful hands.
HM the King, still a novice sailor, at the then Varuna Marine Club, South Pattaya, with (L to R) Dr. Rachot Kanjanavanit, the UK Royal Consort, Prince Philip and one of Thailand’s greatest sportsmen HSH Prince Birabongse Bhanubandh.
“Perhaps the batteries in the OK dinghy are not charged,” remarked one of the beached sailors, to the huge amusement of all there. One of the sailors noted that the gold tins were appropriate for several of the competitors who had received a bruise or two from body contact with dinghy gear - especially the metal boom!
Page 39
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Not Over is Majesty patiently waited until this recalcitrant last dinghy had crossed the finish line (without the aid of the remote control, too!), refreshments were served right there on the finishing line, and a collective sigh of relief went up from the weary sailors. An easy fifteen minute sail to the beach, running before the wind and then a good rest, was the collective thought. But, it was not to be. His Majesty was just warming up. A Royal Thai navy frigate on patrol duty was anchored out in the Gulf . The Vega 2 took off on a close reach to the navy ship and the King led the OK flotilla around the ship and sailed back to the beach. The Gold prizes (being tins of Gold Tiger balm) were then distributed and, once again, there were some special awards, including the “farang trophy”
to the first-finishing farang in the regatta (the gathered sailors politely refrained from pointing out that there was only one farang actually competing). Drinks were served from silver trays and the competitors stood in a group around the winner. The race officer approached with a long sheet which he held at both ends, reminiscent of the ‘town crier’ of medieval times. He solemnly read out boat number, helmsman, finishing time and placing. Sixth: Peter Cummins (the farang). “You can do better,” said the King. Down the list. Eleventh was one of the Thai Navy sailors. “Not so good,” said His Majesty; “you did better last time.” Then, silence. HM the King led us back up the beach, into the clubhouse, took his leave of us and disappeared into the Palace.
HM the King presiding at the opening of the United Nations Conference Centre, April, 1993. At left is ML Tridosyuth Devakul, designer of the Centre and at right, H.E. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Page 40
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 41
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Après-voile I was taken to meet the Governor of Petchaburi Province, the chief guest of honour. Prince Bhisadej told me to stay where I was, because the King and Queen were now coming down from their quarters in the Palace. The crowd flowed across the vast recreation hall and lined up, forming a corridor from the entrance stairs of the Palace to the recreation room. “Ah, this is a day to remember,” I mused, keeping well against the wall where the Prince had assigned me. A sail with the King and, just now, a glimpse of Their Majesties, as they disappeared into the crowds and a chance for a first-person, exclusive story of “Sailing with the King”, for the Bangkok Post. ne of the best things about any sport is the “after” ambience and the camaraderie which pervades the club’s rooms when the day’s events are over. The “après-ski” best epitomizes this milieu; when the day’s stars of the slopes- and the rest - gather around the log fire, the feelings are good. At the Royal Chitrlada Yacht Squadron, the “après-voile” was special. It was a Royal reception and buffet “ thank you” to the Governor and provincial officials of Petchaburi who had looked after the Royal family during their summer sojourn in Hua Hin. Then it was back to Bangkok for the Royal Household. The day’s earlier heroes had abandoned their tee shirts and shorts for something a little more formal. Several wore the uniform of the Royal Thai Army, the Police and many Royal Thai Navy ratings and officers were conspicuous. Prince Bhisadej guided me through the marquees and open-air areas set-up adjoining the Palace recreation room, itself laid out with tables and chairs, neatly and simply. We had some drinks and conversed with the sailors of the day’s race, recapturing the events, like sailors from any other club. But that air of expectancy was there again; a suppressed excitement. There is a casual elegance about a gathering of Thai people that is hard to define and, in many other societies, impossible to capture at such occasions. There is an underlying friendliness; it is the essence of “sanuk”. Page 42
After a while, I started to feel lonely, however; the only farang, standing against this wall, no one else near. I wanted to be at least somewhere near the King and Queen, while I had the opportunity. Prince Bhisadej was obviously keeping me out of the way, afraid of my doing something outrageous or, even worsesomething Tasmanian - whatever that could be! M.R. Dajriraj Vorawan, Prince Bhisadej’s wife, called my name. I looked around to see the Queen of Thailand. Her Majesty was wearing a silk “pa mud mee”- black and rusty brown - the ancient traditional dress of the north-east where the Queen has revived the silk industry.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 43
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Their Majesties greet the Tasmanian writer. MR Ratchanee in the background.
The King was dressed in a silk prarachatan, grey with mauve tints, and semi-formal white slacks. He clutched a two-way radio. “Welcome to the Klai Kangwon Palace,” Her Majesty said in soft, slow English. “Why do you prefer to sail an Enterprise to an OK?” the Queen asked. “Well, Your Majesty,” I answered, “in the Enterprise when I sail badly, I can always blame my crew; today, sailing alone in the OK…what can I say?” “He’s not a bad sailor,” said the King. He gave the very hint of a smile, that bemusement of a top-class sailor who has out-witted one with pretensions in that direction. Luckily (again), I was aware of a number of the Queen’s initiatives to help the Hilltribe people - the SUPPORT project, particularly - and I was able to talk a little about Her Majesty’s desire to help her people. Then, as I was not exactly covered in glory from the previous day - even though I was awarded a “Gold” - I thought it better to concentrate on reporting for my newspaper. So, with my camera at the ready, I followed the fleet of OK sailors, including M.R. Datcharee, who had set out to race along the coast to a beach-side hotel. It was a reach all the way down the coast and it presented a beautiful fishing port and the gently curving hills of Hua Hin. After a good start, His Majesty led the fleet down the coast, staying some 200 meters offshore. A number of the dinghies went further out, looking for more wind; but it was those who sailed closer to the shore, such as Prince Bhisadej, who picked up what there was of the wind. Page 44
It was a day that sailors call “full of holes” (great gaps in the wind) and the fleet passed the light-house, from where it was painfully slow to the Sailom Hotel finishing line. His Majesty, along with numerous other sailors, found the conditions, tricky, to say the least! The fleet drifted to a desultory finish and the race was abandoned. With some imagination, it could have been a scene from the history books. A big crowd gathered at the water’s edge to greet the King and, from there, we proceeded to the hotel where a lunch was set. Though that ended the water-borne activities for the time being, the staff and guests of the Sailom could scarcely believe their good fortune to see their King close-up, landing on their beach. A lot of hilarity pervaded the lunch and jokes were traded. M.R. Datcharee told me that, at such occasions, the King usually taps one or two of the assembly to talk. One of the younger sailors was required to speak and explain the way he and his group had “learned to sail”. It reminded me of the way we learned to swim in Tasmania - at least, in my area. We were simply thrown into the water - into a sink or swim situation, so to speak. Thus for the new sailors. “We went to the boats and sailed,” said their spokesman. My number came up and I bumbled along in a polyglot of English, Thai, and even some French to fill the gaps. M.R. Dajriraj consoled me later. “We don’t know what you said, nobody understood you, but you were very entertaining,” she said.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
It was a rare privilege to be presented to the King and Queen, in such an informal, friendly milieu, created by a fit, active King and a beautiful, gracious Queen. But to meet their Majesties in such circumstances was an additional bonus; with the trappings of protocol barely intruding, it was a glimpse of the Monarchs as two very warm and friendly people. The King did not sail very often after the 1980s but his legacy and the enthusiasm he has infused into sailing is ongoing and unstoppable.
Page 45
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
The Phuket King’s Cup
ne strong and ongoing example of the King’s dominating inf luence on the development of sailing and marine activities, was the founding of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta. In 1986, a group of sailing veterans, mainly from the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, gathered to plan a regatta for His majesty’s 60 th, fifth cycle birthday. The owner of the then Phuket Yacht Club Hotel and a leading Thai architect ML Tridosyuth Devakul placed his hotel and resources at the disposal of the group. His Majesty graciously agreed to be the Regatta’s Patron and award the splendid permanent
Page 46
trophy each year to the overall Regatta winner. MR Tridhosyuth Devakul designed the magnificent trophy, embossed with the number Nine, representing His Majesty as the Ninth ruler of the Chakri Dynasty. Nine “sails” in burnished metal, emanate from a silver column placed upon a base, mirroring the sea. Atop this vertical column, is a replica of the symbol of the King, known in Thai as the “Tra Sanyalak”, emblazoned with His Majesty’s initials and topped with the royal crown. The whole edifice is mounted on a column of ash-wood, carved with the regatta’s title.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
When one looks at pictures of the famous - and quite ugly - “America’s Cup” trophy, fought over for almost 160 years in the hallowed halls of international yacht racing, the Phuket King’s Cup Trophy stands out as a work of art, fashioned by a man with a most artistic temperament. Dr Rachot Kanchanavanit, Adolph Knees, William Gasson, Albert Chandler and Chris King, amongst others - all great sailors - put the minutiae of such an event into reality. Thus, in 1987, the Regatta was sailed for the King’s sixtieth birthday - a first of its kind for Phuket - and Thailand. It is a multi-disciplinary sailing event with international and Thailand-based sailors gathering for some fierce on-water competition and friendly onshore celebrations, revelling in the wonderful ambience of Thailand’s southern island province. Each year, His Majesty’s Personal Representative. ML Admiral Usni Pramoj presents the awards, at a splendid ceremony at the Kata Beach Resort Hotel. This, in itself, is an indication of the King’s ongoing interest in and enthusiasm for sailing. ML Pramoj, like many of the sailors is also a “regatta recidivist”, having represented the King virtually at every regatta.
Today, the foundations remain solid and the principles the same. The difference? Almost three decades later, the Regatta has grown into the largest sailing event of its kind in Asia, attracting 1,000 plus participants each year, with a further 1,000 people headed by the Royal Thai Navy and the Phuket Governor, who lend full support to the event.
Page 47
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
One of the delightful spectacles of the King’s birthday is the “Royal Sail-past”, when the total fleet of Regatta participants sail their craft, festooned with flags, around a Royal Thai frigate, anchored mid-stream off Kata Beach, with the Thai Navy men, in sparkling white uniforms, lining the frigate’s deck. A huge “Chai Yo” for the King, rises from thousands of throats, as the King’s birthday is celebrated. At night, the fifth of December, a “romantic” candlelit ceremony for the King’s birthday is co-ordinated country-wide. It is a beautiful ceremony and an honour to participate in one or both of these events, as well as sail in the Regatta. In a little more than one decade, Thai dinghy sailors and windsurfers have reached world standards and, just recently, became world champions of the highly competitive junior sailing, via the Optimist dinghy. Many have competed in the Olympics, especially in wind-surfing and single-handed Laser classes and Page 48
Thailand is now fielding teams in round-the-world races and other big regional regattas. In fact, in the just-completed 17th Asian Games at Incheon, Thai sailors triumphed in sailing, particularly the Hobie Cat, Lasers, 29-ers, Optimists, 470s and 420s, all regular sailing classes in the Kingdom. As one official from the national authority, the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand pointed out, in the Ghangzhou Games in 2010, Thai sailors won Golds in the Optimist, Laser and Hobie 16 classes. As another recent example, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, early last year, hosted the OK Dinghy World Championships, coming to Thailand for the first time, as a tribute to the King, knowing his affinity for the dinghy and his many successes in sailing and building the craft in the Kingdom. “It was the best ever of our world championships,” was the consensus of the world-wide group. “We’ll be back, for sure”.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 49
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 50
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Epilogue hailand has understandably become one of the world’s most desirable sailing and water-sport venues, not only in the region, but worldwide. With its beautiful coastlines, warm waters and friendly, smiling people, the Kingdom has attracted a great number of world championships, and many regional competitions which are held consecutively since 1978. His Majesty the King, undoubtedly, has been the Royal Catalyst in this surge, starting from the early 1960s and continuing even stronger every year, as many events commemorating the King’s maritime prowess are celebrated here in Thailand and other places abroad each year: His Trans-Gulf marathon, His Gold Medal award, and many accolades from around the world, lauding not only his sailing, but his dedication to sports and sportspeople everywhere, are his nautical legacy. His Royal Patronage of the region’s best yacht club, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, has also had a remarkable influence on the evolution and exponential surge of sailing, yacht racing and maritime sports, locally, regionally and universally.
Photographer/writer Peter Cummins records the action at Hua Hin.
The club, situated on a beautiful 10-rai of land at Pattaya Point, has been located at this prime beach-front for more than three decades and His Majesty’s influence is felt constantly. As the rapid development of Pattaya moved up over Pratamnak Hill, the Varuna Club had to re-adjust to maintain its status as an oasis of tranquillity in the encroaching concrete desert. Facing the west, the frequently-beautiful sunsets over behind Koh Larn were enshrined in the orientation of the splendid new club-house, opened by Crown Prince Maha Chakri Vajiralongkorn in October, 2004, with Prince Bhisadej, of course, continuing the King’s contribution and blessing in the laying of the foundation stone and dedication of the Spirit House on 23 October 2004. The King’s daughter, HRH Princess Ubolratana, has recaptured the magic of the early days, with an occasional sail off Royal Varuna, and his granddaughter, HRH Princess Patcharakitiyapha, has also sailed out off the King’s own Royal Varuna Yacht Club. Undoubtedly, the King’s love of the freedom of the sea has been a shining example of fulfilment in just about our last frontier, in a world overtaken by conflict, technology and materialism, constricting this very freedom we all crave. Page 51
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Starting with the highly-successful Ocean Marina in Na Jomtien, clubs, marinas, sailing associations and numerous boat-building facilities now proliferate up and down Thailand’s beautiful waterways. Regattas, world events or, more simply, just people enjoying the healthy, stimulating freedom of sailing are all the outcome and basically originate from the early days when the King made “maiden voyage”, at Pattaya Beach to quote a time-worn nautical phrase. The preceding stories attempt to present a microcosm of His Majesty’s skills as a sailor - just one sphere of his enormous talents and dedication in so many other
Page 52
disciplines. And, as stated in the Prologue, this text has been limited to his maritime endeavours and its repercussions - world-wide which will continue ad infinitum, thanks to that fateful day in South Pattaya, some 50 years ago. Each and every dinghy, catamaran and keelboat which takes to the water, is there, basically, as a tribute to and an acknowledgement of the “King of Sailing” - His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great. We, at the Pattaya Mail Media Group, wish our beloved King a most Happy Birthday and good health in the coming years.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 53
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
In June 2006, His Majesty Carl XVI Gustav, King of Sweden in his capacity as Honorary President of the World Scout Foundation, presents His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great with the World Scout Organization’s highest award, the Bronze Wolf Award for his support and development of Scouting in Thailand.
Page 54
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 55
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 56
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, accompanied by HRH Princess Sirindhorn, left, lights candles during the traditional Loy Krathong festival at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010.
Page 57
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 58
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
His Majesty the King goes Dixie at the Hawaiian governor’s reception, Honolulu 1960.
Page 59
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great
Page 60
Page 61
Page 62
Page 63
Page 64
Page 65
Page 66
Page 67
Page 68
Page 69
Page 70
Page 71
Page 72
Page 73
Page 74
Page 75
Page 76
Page 3
Page 4