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.
At the Royal Thai Navy’s Thonburi Naval Dockyard
-The public can view the royal barges from 08.30 – 16.30 Hrs.
-On 8-12, 15-19, and 23-26 July, the public can also observe the rhythmic barge-rowing song training for oarsmen, from 14.00 – 15.30 Hrs.
At Ratchaworadit Pier
-On 27-29 July, three of the 52 royal barges – the Suphannahong, the Narai Song Suban, and the Anantanakkharat – will be displayed alongside an exhibition to honour HM The King.
-There will be a barge-rowing show twice a day at 15.00 Hrs. and 19.00 Hrs., and on 29 July 2024 on 17.00 Hrs. and 20.00 Hrs.
Mini rehearsal on the Chao Phraya River, under the Rama VIII Bridge
-From 8-30 July, except weekends and public holidays, there will be a daily barge-rowing training for oarsmen, from 09.00 – 15.30 Hrs.
Full rehearsals on the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Pier to Wat Arun, from 15.00 – 18.00 Hrs.
-There will be rehearsals of the royal procession by water every week from 1 August to 22 October for a total of 12 times. The public can view the rehearsals at the designated areas along both sides of the Chao Phraya River, from the Rama VIII Bridge to Wat Arun.
In August, the rehearsals are scheduled on 1, 8, 15, and 22
In September, the rehearsals are scheduled on 3, 12, 19, and 26
In October, the rehearsals are scheduled on 1 and 10 October
The two full-dress rehearsals are scheduled on 15 and 22 October.
For more information, please follow the Royal Barges National Museum and the Royal Thai Navy Facebook Pages. (TAT)
