Their Majesties the King and Queen presided over a rare royal barge procession today, which glided along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok to Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Temple of Dawn) for the annual Krathin (robe) offering ceremony.
This procession is a unique and ancient Thai tradition with its roots in the Sukhothai era (c. AD 1238-1438).
Their Majesties boarded the Suphannahong, or the "Golden Swan," the most revered barge in the procession, while the King’s children, Princess Sirivannavari and Prince Dipangkorn, boarded the Anekkachatphutchong.
The flotilla featured 52 royal barges, configured in five formations, with 2,200 crew manning the vessels. Other significant royal barges included the Narai Song Suban and the Anantanakkharat.
This is only the second royal barge procession during the King’s reign and was organised to honour HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 72nd birthday on July 28.
Photo: AFP
Photo: AFP
Photo: AFP
Crowds, Thais and foreigners, mostly dressed in royal yellow, gathered along the banks of the Chao Phraya River well before the procession’s start time, eager to secure a good spot from which to witness this special experience.
During the procession, traffic flow on the five bridges over the Chao Phraya River remained open, though pedestrian access was restricted.
Their Majesties the King and the Queen returned to the palace by car.
