Forty-eight military personnel selected by the Royal Thai Army Ordnance Department to carry the four bronze drums (glong mahorathuk) in two state processions during His Majesty the King's coronation ceremonies in May started their first training session Tuesday.
The training began after a buang suang ceremony, a Brahmin rite practised by Thais to seek blessings from the gods, was performed at 8.08am.
Lt Gen Sakda Sirirat, chief of the department, was responsible for selecting and training the men.
He said they must have high levels of physical fitness and good-behaviour records to ensure the ceremony proceeds in an elegant and grand manner in honour of the King. Each bronze drum weighs over 15 kilogrammes and must be carried for at least 6.6 kilometres as part of the parades.
Lt Gen Sakda said each bronze drum would be carried by four men. The troops will be divided into two teams, 16 each with substitutes.
The switching point between the two teams will be Wat Bowon Niwet.
Lt Gen Sakda said they have to go through 10-week training sessions until May 3. Each will have his fitness tested every week.
They are also required to have a thorough understanding of the 12 gestures that will be used during the processions, Lt Gen Sakda said.
Lt Gen Sakda said initial training will be completed by March 20. Formal marching rehearsals will take place from March 21-28 at the 11th Infantry Regiment King's Guard, while the third, fourth and fifth training sessions will be held at the actual sites.
