The Royal Thai Navy held the first full-dress rehearsal of the Royal Barge Procession yesterday, drawing large crowds of residents and tourists to both banks of the Chao Phraya River to admire the spectacular display.
The rehearsal began at 3pm on October 21 as preparations continued for the 2026 Royal Kathin Ceremony, during which His Majesty the King will travel by royal barge to present Kathin robes to Buddhist monks.
The ceremony is being held in conjunction with the auspicious occasion of the 48th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Suthida on June 3, 2026.
A total of 52 vessels took part in the rehearsal, forming up near Wasukri Pier in a formation comprising five columns, three lines and 17 sections. The procession stretched 1,280 metres in length and measured 90 metres across.
The formation included four royal barges: Royal Barge Anantanakkharat, which carries the royal Kathin robes beneath a ceremonial pavilion; The Suphannahong, the principal royal barge serving as the King’s royal seat; Anekchatphuchong; and Royal Barge Narai Song Suban HM King Rama IX.
The latter two vessels serve as reserve royal barges.
The Royal Thai Navy will hold another full-dress rehearsal in accordance with traditional royal ceremonial procedures on October 28.
The additional rehearsal aims to ensure that the rowers and all relevant agencies are fully prepared, allowing the Royal Barge Procession to proceed smoothly, with dignity and in a manner befitting the royal occasion.
Photos by Jirapat Sakakhao and Suppanatt Rattanathanaprasan/Thai PBS
