The Royal Thai Navy conducted its first full-scale rehearsal of the Royal Barge Procession for the royal Kathin robe presentation ceremony at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, attracting many tourists to admire the beauty along both sides of the Chao Phraya River.
On 21 Oct at 09:30, the Royal Thai Navy held the first major rehearsal of the Royal Barge Procession for the royal Kathin robe presentation ceremony at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, in celebration of the 4th cycle (84th) birthday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen on 3 Jun 2026. Admiral Ratana Ruangrung, Special Expert of the Royal Thai Navy and chairman of the royal barge procession preparation committee, presided over the ceremony to pay homage to the royal barges and led a briefing for those serving as captains, steersmen, and rowers at the Thonburi Naval Dockyard, Department of Naval Dockyards.
Later at 14:30, Admiral Nares Wongtrakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, attended the first full-scale rehearsal of the Royal Barge Procession for the royal Kathin robe presentation ceremony at Tha Wasukri Pier. The rehearsal simulated the actual event’s schedule at 15:00, focusing on coordination, precision in duties, maintaining rhythm, steering control, and synchronization with other vessels to ensure the procession proceeds with utmost dignity and order.
The Royal Barge Procession consisted of 52 boats assembled at Tha Wasukri in five rows and three columns, totaling 17 boats per row, stretching 1,280 meters long and 90 meters wide. Among these were four royal barges: the Anantanakkharat, carrying the Kathin robe pavilion; the Suphannahong, bearing the royal throne; the Anekchatphuchong, serving as a reserve royal barge; and the Narai Song Suban barge from King Rama IX’s reign, also a reserve royal barge.
At 15:00, the procession departed Tha Wasukri in orderly fashion, accompanied by four poetic chants: the first praising the royal majesty, the second admiring the boats, the third honoring the Kathin robe tradition, and the fourth describing the city. The procession headed toward the Grand Palace and concluded at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Pier, covering a distance of 3.9 kilometers. The event attracted significant attention from locals and foreign tourists along both sides of the Chao Phraya River in the area.
Another full-scale rehearsal following all ancient royal traditions will take place on 28 Oct 2026 to further prepare the rowers and all involved parties, ensuring the event proceeds smoothly, elegantly, and with due honor.
The Royal Thai Navy invites the public to welcome and pay respects during the royal Kathin robe presentation ceremony on 6 Nov 2026 along both banks of the Chao Phraya River from Rama VIII Bridge to Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan. The event will also be broadcast live on the Thai Public Broadcasting Service and via radio from the Public Relations Department of Thailand.
