Royal Barge rehearsals begin along Chao Phraya River; official procession Oct 27

BANGKOK, Thailand – A royal barge procession rehearsal has been scheduled to take place along the Chao Phraya River on October 15, beginning at 3:00 p.m. The rehearsal, starting from Rama VIII Bridge and ending at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, is a preview of the official procession scheduled for October 27 in honor of the Royal Kathin Robe Offering Ceremony. A second full-dress rehearsal will be held on October 22 at the same time.

The procession is set to showcase 52 royal barges arranged in five rows, stretching over 1,200 meters and involving 2,200 oarsmen. The barges will travel a distance of 4.2 kilometers from Wasukree Pier, passing landmarks including Rama VIII Bridge and Phra Pinklao Bridge, before arriving at Wat Arun Ratchawararam.

Members of the public are invited to view the rehearsals and the official procession for free along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The oarsmen will be in ceremonial attire during the rehearsals, ensuring a close resemblance to the actual event.

During the rehearsals, the Marine Department will temporarily close water traffic along the route. Those using water routes are advised to avoid the area during these times, and further updates will be provided to ensure smooth operations. (NNT)