Page:Golden pavilion at Wat Sai - Damrong - 1921.pdf/3

 that period, the fleet of Royal boats had to pass through this canal Sanamchai which was the ancient course, but afterwards these royal trips were discontinued for a while, namely from the reign of Somdech Phrachao Song tham B.E. 2163 (A.D. 1620) until the end of the reign of Somdech Phra Phetracha B.E. 2246 (A.D. 1703), that is to say from about the time of the discovery of the Buddha's footprint, when the course of the Royal trips was changed from the North to the Phrabat Hills and Lophburi, and were not made to the sea as in former times, until the reign of Somdech Phrasuriyentratihodi who reigned in Ayuthia from B.E. 2246 to B.E. 2251 (A.D. 1703 to 1708). The common name for this King was Khun Luang Süa or Phrachao Süa and he was pleased to journey to the sea. Royal trips to the sea and back occurred from that reign until the reign of Somdech Phra Phumintracha, commonly known as Khun Luang Thaisara, and the reign of Somdech Phramahathammaracha II commonly known as Khun Luang Boromakot, both of which princes were sons of Phrachao Süa.

An account occurs in the Royal History that in B.E. 2247 (A.D. 1704) Phrachao Süa made a trip along Klong Sanamchai (at this time he had reigned one year and it is likely that this was the first trip). When passing Khokkham the steersman steered badly and the Royal barge ran aground so that the prow was broken and the barge was in danger of sinking. According to the laws of those days, the steersman was liable to execution, but Phrachao Süa was merciful and did not condemn the steersman, as he considered that the accident was due to the windings of the canal. That steersman was a native of Norasingh in the district of Ang-Thong and was known as the steersman of Norasingh, so he begged that he might be executed in order that the Royal Edicts should not be transgressed, and so the King was obliged to have him put to death. There is still a shrine 'San theparaks' at the place Khokkham which is said to be built on the spot where steersman Norasingh was executed, and it still remains to be seen because the Royal barge ran aground there.

When Phrachao Süa returned to the capital, he ordered Phrarajasongkhram (who succeeded in removing the Sleeping Buddha