The Royal Staff or Than Phra Kon (Thai: ธารพระกร) is one of the five Royal Regalia of the King of Thailand. The staff is made of cassia wood and enclosed at both ends in gold. It has a length of 118 cm (46 in). One end has a knob and there are three tines at the foot. The Royal Staff is used as a symbol of regal authority like other cultures around the world, and is associated in Thailand with the guiding of the King's footsteps down the path of justice and equity.
Famous quotes containing the words royal and/or staff:
“What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.”
—Bible: New Testament, Matthew 11:7-9.
Jesus speaking about John the Baptist.
“In the far South the sun of autumn is passing
Like Walt Whitman walking along a ruddy shore.
He is singing and chanting the things that are part of him,
The worlds that were and will be, death and day.
Nothing is final, he chants. No man shall see the end.
His beard is of fire and his staff is a leaping flame.”
—Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)