The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has completed arrangements for members of the public interested in watching Their Majesties the King and Queen travelling through the capital and along the Chao Phraya River in the Royal Barge Procession tomorrow (Thursday).

(Photo from Royal Thai Navy)

This rare event is part of celebrations for the coronation of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun this year. After the Royal Barge Procession, Their Majesties the King and Queen will tour the old city of Bangkok in a motorcade.

Sixteen areas, on both banks of the Chao Phraya River, including six with stands, are being provided for spectators. Those attending are advised to dress appropriately for a Royal event, with yellow shirts for men and yellow dresses for women. Black or bright shirts of other colours are prohibited.

For security reasons, all spectators will need to pass through security checkpoints and show their ID cards or passports.

Free food, bottled water and mobile toilets will be provided by the BMA.

52 barges, including the Suphannahong, the Anantanakkharat, the Anekkachatphutchong and the Narai Song Suban, will be featured in the procession. There will be about 2,200 oarsmen arranged in five groupings. The flotilla will stretch over 1.2km and will be 90 metres wide.

(Photo from Royal Thai Navy)

The journey will take about 45 minutes.

To facilitate the Royal Barge Procession and the city tour by Their Majesties the King and Queen, the Rama VIII and Pinklao bridges will be closed to all traffic from 3.30pm to 5pm. Eight roads will be closed to traffic from 4.30pm to 6pm. They are:

• Rajinee Road from Pinklao Bridge to Pan Phipob intersection
• Na Phra That Road
• Chan Road
• Na Phra Lan Road
• Maharat Road
• Thai Wang Road
• Rajdamnoen Road
• Sanam Chai Road from Pom Padet intersection to Ror Dor circle

One-way traffic will be imposed on Sawankhalok Road from Yommaraj intersection to Saowanee intersection and on Chakkrapong, Chao Fah, Arthit and Phra Sumane roads.

More information about traffic arrangements is available by dialling 1194 around the clock.