The public gathered to witness a demonstration of the Royal Barge Procession, held in honor of the monarch. The Royal Thai Navy received royal permission to use three royal barges for the event: the Suphannahong Royal Barge, the Narai Song Suban Rama IX Royal Barge, and the Anantanakkharat Royal Barge. These barges were tethered to buoys for a demonstration of the traditional royal barge procession at the Thonburi Pier, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok.
The event took place on July 28 and 29, with two sessions each day, each lasting 25 minutes. On July 28, the performances were held at 3 PM and 8:30 PM.
The Royal Thai Navy is preparing for the Royal Barge Procession for this year’s Royal Kathin (robe offering) ceremony at Wat Arun on 27 October.
This historic event to honour the “Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty The King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary 28th July 2024” will be the second Royal Barge Procession in the present reign. The first was held on 12 December 2019 to honour the occasion of the Coronation of HM The King.
The royal procession by water will comprise 52 barges, including four major royal barges – the Suphannahong, the Narai Song Suban, the Anantanakkharat, and the Anekkachatphutchong.
There will be 2,200 oarsmen to row the ceremonial barges along the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Pier to Wat Arun, in a 1.2-kilometre-long and 90-metre-wide formation. The event takes place from 15.00 – 18.00 Hrs. on 27 October.
Until the actual historic event’s date, the public are invited to view the royal barges and observe the rehearsals.
More info on next rehearsals: https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/preparations-for-the-royal-barge-procession-honouring-hm-the-king-465254
