The 2026 Royal Barge Procession One of Thailand’s important royal traditions showcasing the beauty of craftsmanship and the wisdom of royal barge construction. This year’s procession includes 52 royal barges arranged in five rows, with four key royal barges positioned in the central row, each with distinctive appearance and unique roles.
The Royal Barge Procession will be held on Friday, 6 Nov 2026, to mark the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s 4th cycle birthday anniversary. His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen will preside over the Kathin robe-offering ceremony at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan.
The procession route is scheduled to start from Wasukri Pier from 15:00 onwards, proceeding towards Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan.The public can watch the event from 16 designated points along both banks of the Chao Phraya River.
The 2026 Royal Barge Procession consists of 52 royal barges arranged in five rows, spanning about 1,200 meters in length and 90 meters in width, involving 2,200 personnel divided into three main sections:
What are the barges in the 2026 Royal Barge Procession? Get to know the four key royal barges and admire the beauty of these royal vessels, which are valuable cultural heritage of Thailand.
Royal Barge Anantanakkharat Originally built during King Rama IV’s reign, the current barge was rebuilt during King Rama VI’s reign, completed on 15 Apr 1914. It is distinguished by its figurehead carved as a seven-headed serpent, Anantanakkharat, exquisitely decorated in Thai artistic style.
The barge measures 42.95 meters long and 2.95 meters wide. Its exterior is painted green, with a red-painted hull interior. It is rowed by 54 oarsmen and generally serves as a secondary royal barge or for carrying the Kathin robe, also housing a pavilion for important Buddha images during the procession. The 2026 Royal Barge Procession
Royal Barge Suphannahong With history tracing back to the Ayutthaya period, the current barge was started during King Rama V’s reign and completed under King Rama VI, launched on 13 Nov 1911. Its figurehead features a golden swan, lacquered and gilded with glass mosaic decorations, with white tassels at the bow.
The barge is 44.9 meters long, 3.14 meters wide, weighs 15.1 tons, painted black outside and red inside the hull. It uses golden oars and has a royal throne at the center for the monarch. It is a key royal barge reflecting the exquisite Thai craftsmanship.
Royal Barge Anekkachatphuchong Built during King Rama V’s reign, originally used as a casual royal barge before serving as a secondary barge in the procession. It is notable for its slender, uplifted figurehead without mythical animal carvings, but decorated with numerous small gilded naga (serpent) patterns.
The name “ Anekkachatphuchong ” means many nagas. The barge measures 45.50 meters long and 3.15 meters wide, painted pink outside and red inside the hull. It is rowed by 61 oarsmen and is uniquely distinct from other royal barges in the procession.
Royal Barge Narai Song Suban Commissioned by King Rama IX to celebrate the Kanchanaphisek (Golden Jubilee) in 1996. Its design is based on royal barges from King Rama III and IV’s era. Construction began in 1994 and it was launched on 5 Apr 1996. It currently serves as a secondary royal barge in the procession.
Its figurehead is carved as Lord Narai (Vishnu) with four arms holding a trident, mace, discus, and conch, standing on a garuda’s back. Made from takian thong wood, it is intricately decorated with gold lacquer and glass mosaic. The hull interior is painted vermilion red and has a royal throne at the center.
Organizing the royal barge procession according to ancient royal traditions not only showcases the ceremony’s grandeur but also reflects the exquisite skills of Thai artisans and the continuity of valuable cultural and royal traditions from past to present.
Source of information:Royal Thai Navy