The Thai Navy is preparing for the historic Royal Barge Procession in November, with on-water rowing training now underway, Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Pairote Fuangchan said today.
The procession will be held on November 6, when His Majesty the King will travel by royal barge to present Kathin robes at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan, better known as the ‘Temple of Dawn’.
The event will also commemorate the 48th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Suthida, which falls on June 3.
Admiral Pairote spoke during a demonstration of rowing exercises by crew members assigned to the royal barge ‘Suphannahong’ at the Small Craft Squadron in Bangkok Noi district.
He inspected the training and stressed to the crew the importance of maintaining continuity in practice, to ensure the procession is conducted with dignity, elegance and in a manner befitting the monarchy.
He said the current phase of training is crucial in familiarising crews with rowing techniques and operational procedures aboard the royal barges.
The exercises also provide a foundation for later training in vessel control and maintaining formation on the Chao Phraya River.
The training will move on to formation drills on the river, followed by full-scale rehearsals.
The procession will feature 52 royal barges arranged in five columns, stretching approximately 1,200 metres in length and 90 metres in width. About 2,200 personnel will serve as crew members in the ceremonial flotilla.
