Bangkok, 8th August 2019 – The Royal Thai Navy has performed a rehearsal of the Royal Barge Procession, as part of nationwide celebrations of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua’s coronation earlier this year. All 52 royal barges and vessels along with 2,200 personnel, including 41 trumpeters, have taken part in the rehearsal, with the audio system setting up at 17 locations.
The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Navy, VADM Jongkol Meesawad, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Preparation Committee for the Royal Barge Procession, inspected the rehearsal and gave a lecture to the 2,200 personnel near the Rama VIII Bridge on the Thonburi side, Bangkok.
The rehearsal consisted of five procession lines and three rows. All 52 royal barges and vessels together with their naval officers and oarsmen were involved in this session. The rehearsals allowed the personnel to have a better control of the barges. The audition system was set up at 17 locations and 41 trumpeters also participated in the session, which is now 80% complete.
Of the 52 royal barges, there are barges with decorated mastheads, such as Pali Rang Thawip, Sukrip Khrong Mueang and Krabi Ran Ron Rap. Four royal barges did not take part in the rehearsal, and the Royal Thai Navy replaced them with other vessels on this occasion. The rehearsal was conducted between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The procession started from the Bangkok of Thailand to the Grand Palace, before arriving at the mouth of Bangkok Noi Canal. The travel time was about 40 minutes.
After the rehearsal, the barges with animal figureheads and other royal barges returned to their dock near Ratchathiwat Ratchaworawihan temple. There will be 12 rehearsals, including full dress rehearsals, starting August 22. The Royal Barge Procession will take place on October 24 as part of nationwide celebrations of His Majesty the King’s coronation.
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