The government has clarified that the Royal barge procession had to be postponed from October 24 to December 12 due to unfavorable water levels and currents in the Chao Phraya River, with more rehearsals to be conducted and an exhibition on the procession to be organized this week.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Prof. Wissanu Krea-ngam, held a press conference with relevant officials on Monday (Oct 21) to explain the rescheduling of the Royal barge procession. The event had to be postponed due to strong tides in the river, which could have posed a problem for the procession. The ceremony should run smoothly on December 12, as tides and winds are expected to be more favorable. The Royal barge procession will be held under conditions that it are graceful, safe, orderly and cause minimal impact on the general public.
Representatives of the Royal Thai Navy said there will be four rehearsals and one dress rehearsal for the procession. The rehearsals will take place on November 12, 19, 26 and December 3, while the dress rehearsal will be on December 9.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture is holding a free exhibition on the Royal barge procession from October 25 to November 11, 2019, at Sanam Luang, Bangkok. The 19-day exhibition will be open between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., with highlights featuring multimedia exhibits and panoramic film about the coronation and the Royal barge procession. The exhibition also has an open market for people to buy food and other products.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu said he would like to invite all Thais to wear yellow shirts and coronation brooches and attend the Royal barge procession. The historic event will involve 52 royal barges, four of which will be designated as principal Royal vessels.
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