BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inspected preparations for the 2026 Royal Barge Procession along the Chao Phraya River on September 3. The royal journey will take place on November 6 for the presentation of Royal Kathin robes at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, on the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s 48th birthday anniversary.
Anutin reviewed preparations at the Royal Barge Dock at Wasukri Pier before traveling by boat along the 3.9-kilometer royal route to Wat Arun. He was welcomed by Royal Thai Navy Commander-in-Chief Adm. Pairoj Fueangchan, who oversees the organization and readiness of the procession.
The Royal Thai Navy is preparing 52 royal barges and ceremonial vessels involving 2,200 naval personnel. The procession will form five columns along three lines, extending about 1,280 meters long and 90 meters wide. The Suphannahong Royal Barge will carry the Royal Throne; the Anantanakkharat Royal Barge will carry the Royal Kathin robes, and the Narai Song Suban H.M. King Rama IX and Anekchatphuchong Royal Barges will serve as secondary royal barges.
The September 3 rehearsal was the fourth of 10 minor rehearsals scheduled on the Chao Phraya River, with two full-dress rehearsals to follow. The Royal Thai Navy is coordinating with the Bureau of the Royal Household and the Fine Arts Department on vessel restoration and maintenance, personnel training, procession formation, and other preparations for the royal ceremony. (NNT)
