Before the event
Photo: The final rehearsal of a Royal Barge Procession on the Chao Phraya river last Friday before today’s official ceremony. The event, being held by the government as a tribute to His Majesty the King’s 80th birthday, is expected to draw a huge crowd. TAWATCHAI KEMGUMNERD
This is an interesting topic, but I actually chose it because of the language. It is a great example of a "before" story, a story that describes something that is going to happen. Hopefully, tomorrow, we will have an "after" to story to look at.
As you read the story, look for the various ways the story describes a future event: this afternoon's Royal Barge Procession. Notice that several sentences near the beginning of the story, use "would". If you look closely, you will see they are all examples of indirect speech beginning with "Pol Maj-Gen Phanu Kerdlarppol, the deputy Metropolitan Police chief, said ..."
Now let's watch to see if there is a follow-up story tomorrow.
barge – a large boat, usually with a flat bottom, used for carrying people or goods เรือพระที่นั่ง
rehearsal – time that is spent practicing something in preparation for a public performance การซ้อมใหญ่
procession – line of people, vehicles, boats, etc. that move along slowly, especially as part of a ceremony ขบวน
tribute – an act, a statement, or a gift that is intended to show your respect or admiration for someone การแสดงความจงรักภักดี
Roads, river to be closed for the royal barges
A section of the Chao Phraya river and some major downtown roads will be closed to traffic today for the royal barge procession.Pol Maj-Gen Phanu Kerdlarppol, the deputy Metropolitan Police chief, said river traffic would be halted between the Somdej Prachao Krung Thonburi bridge and the King Rama I memorial bridge from noon until 8pm.
No vehicles would be allowed on the Rama VIII and Somdej Phra Pinklao bridges for a 20-minute period from 3.40pm while the royal barges pass underneath.
Both bridges would be off limits to pedestrians for an hour from 3pm.
About 80 policemen would be deployed to help traffic in the area.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who is representing His Majesty the King at the spectacle, will board the barge Suphannahongse for the royal kathin ceremony at the Temple of Dawn.
He is scheduled to arrive at the Wasukri pier at 3.30pm and the barge will reach the temple about 4.15pm.
The procession will involve a fleet of 52 traditional barges, four of which are major royal barges. A total of 2,098 naval officers will serve as oarsmen.
Members of the public can watch the spectacle, the 16th during His Majesty’s reign, through a live television broadcast or from designated viewing points arranged along that stretch of the river. Spectators are advised to travel by public transport due to limited parking space.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will provide free up-close seats for viewers at two riverside spots — the space beneath Rama VIII bridge on the Thon Buri side and Santichaiprakarn Park on Phra Athit road.
Bangkok deputy governor Banasopit Mekvichai said the area could accommodate only a limited number of viewers.
section – part ส่วนหนึ่ง
halted – stopped หยุด
off limits – (of a place) where people are not allowed to go ห้ามสัญจร
pedestrians – people walking along the street and not traveling in a vehicle คนเดินถนน
spectacle – an event or a performance that is very impressive and exciting to look at พระราชพิธีที่งดงาม ตระการตา
board – to get on a boat, plane, bus, etc. ลงเรือพระที่นั่ง
fleet – a group of boats, planes, buses, taxis, etc. traveling together or owned by the same organisation กองเรือ
stretch – an area of land or water บริเวณแม่น้ำ้
spectators – people who watch an event ผู้ชม
public transport – the system of buses, trains, etc. provided by the government or by companies, which people use to travel from one place to another การขนส่งมวลชน
accommodate – to provide enough space for someone or something จุผู้ชม