BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Thai Navy conducted its third rehearsal for the Royal Barge Procession on August 27, preparing crews and vessels for the royal journey to present Kathina robes at Wat Arun Ratchawararam on November 6. The ceremony will honor the Fourth Cycle, or 48th Birthday Anniversary, of Her Majesty the Queen.
The procession will feature 52 royal ceremonial barges and about 2,200 naval personnel. The five-column formation will stretch approximately 1,280 meters along the Chao Phraya River, with the Suphannahong, Narai Song Suban HM Rama IX, Anekkachatphuchong, and Anantanakkharat among the principal royal barges.
Training will continue through October, with full-dress rehearsals scheduled for October 21 and 28. The preparations are intended to ensure crews can execute the formation and ceremonial procedures smoothly ahead of the Royal Ceremony. The public can watch the rehearsals from both banks of the Chao Phraya River, with the barges departing the Rama VIII Bridge area at about 3:30 p.m. and proceeding to Wat Arun. Viewing locations include 72nd Birthday Anniversary Park, Wat Rakhang Khositaram Pier, Santi Chai Prakan Park, Tha Maharaj, Tha Chang, and Wat Arun. (NNT)
