For the first time in over 150 years, a merit-making alms-giving ceremony by boat was held with 98 monks from 12 temples along the length of Khlong Prem Prachakon during the "Thai People, Khlong Prem One Waterway" event, honoring Her Majesty the Queen.
On 17 Jun 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Atthaphon Rerkpiboon, advisor to the Prime Minister and chairman of the committee monitoring and driving royal projects under the royal initiative, chaired the event honoring Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of the grand royal birthday celebration marking her 4th cycle (age 84) on 3 June 2026. The event was held under the title "Thai People, Khlong Prem One Waterway" with the theme “We are Bangkok, Pathum Thani City, Krung Si Ayutthaya.”
The highlight was the alms-giving ceremony by boat with 98 monks from 12 temples along Khlong Prem Prachakon, connecting Bangkok, Pathum Thani, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. This marked a historic phenomenon in over 150 years for Khlong Prem Prachakon. The event was graced by Somdet Phra Maharatchamongkholmuni (Chao Khun Somdet Thongchai) of Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan, who presided over the monks’ boat procession, creating an image of faith, unity, and loyalty among Thai people who came together along both canal banks.
A key contributor to making this historic event possible was Mr. Chaowalit Methayaprapas, managing director of Khrop Krua Transport (2002) Co., Ltd., who sponsored 21 boats, fuel, vessel operators, and a water safety team of over 30 personnel throughout rehearsals and the event.
This collaboration reflects the combined strength of the government, private sector, and citizens working together to continue the royal vision through the development of Khlong Prem Prachakon into “The Waterway of Life.” It aims to improve the quality of life for communities and pass on sustainability to future generations.
