Royal Scribe puts stamp of approval on new Constitution
The calligraphy on the 279-article new Constitution is undeniably a work of patience and delicate labour, with nine calligraphers contributing to three copies in folding books. Still, there is one significant yet overlooked job needed to complete the craftsmanship – a stamp of the Royal Seals.
Serving at the Bureau of the Royal Scribe and Royal Decoration to the Cabinet Secretariat, Somsong Chamklang’s sole job for the last 12 years has been to press archaic Royal Seals on royal documents. Each year, he and his assistant have to stamp around 200,000 documents, most of which grant royal decorations.
Somsong pays a respectful “wai” to the golden Royal Seal of King Maha Vajiralongkorn before lifting it. “These seals represent the monarchy. They always have to be treated with respect,” he said. “Women are also not allowed to touch them.”
The current King’s Seal is the newest, having been introduced in December following the beginning of his reign. The ivory Royal Seal of the Great Decree and the Royal Seal of the Swan Pavilion date back to the time of King Vajiravudh, or Rama VI, while the agate Royal Seal of the Airavata Elephant goes back to the era of King Mongkut, or Rama IV.
Over more than a century, the seals have naturally worn out bit by bit, which means that Somsong has to put more pressure applying a stamp since the seals cannot be replaced pending permission from the Royal Palace.
Each stamp is an artistic performance. The density of the vermilion ink, pressure applied, hardness of the surface under the paper – all these factors are at play in applying the stamp.
In his office at Government House compound, glue and sharp blades are also on hand to fix any tiny mistake.
But on April 6, when Somsong had to stamp three the Constitution copies in front of the King in front of the cameras in a royal ceremony, all needed to be perfect. “There was simply no second chance,” he said.
