First full-scale rehearsal of Royal Barge Procession draws spectators along banks of Chao Phraya River

BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand held its first full-scale rehearsal for the upcoming Royal Barge Procession on Wednesday (Oct 16), drawing spectators along both banks of the Chao Phraya River despite heavy rainfall.

The rehearsal, featuring 52 ornate barges spanning 1,280 meters in length and 90 meters in width, involved 2,399 oarsmen. It followed ancient royal traditions in its formation and execution.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration set up viewing areas for the public, including 4,000 seats under Rama VIII Bridge, 1,100 at Santi Chai Prakan Park, and 11,000 each at Thammasat University and the park near Siriraj Hospital.

The Royal Thai Navy opened additional viewing areas at the Naval Institute, Naval Club, and in front of the Navy Auditorium, all of which reached capacity.

Spectators traveled from across the country to witness the event. A family from Si Sa Ket province brought their seven-year-old grandson, who had previously only seen the barges on YouTube. Relatives of oarsmen also attended, expressing pride in their family members’ participation.

Newly appointed navy chief Adm Jirapol Wongwit inspected preparations at the shipyard and joined the procession as its commander.

A final rehearsal is scheduled for October 22. Authorities recommend using the MRT subway for convenient access to viewing areas, with Sanam Chai station serving the Bangkok side and Itsaraphap station closest to the Thonburi side.

The actual royal merit-making Ceremony is scheduled on October 27. During the ceremony, Their Majesties the King and Queen will travel in the royal barge procession to offer robes to monks at Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn.

This procession marks a significant event in Thailand’s royal and cultural calendar, combining religious tradition with the spectacle of the ornate royal barges. (TNA)