Spectator venues prepared for Sunday Royal Barge Procession along Chao Phraya River

BANGKOK, Thailand – The public is invited to greet Their Majesties the King and Queen and witness the grandeur of the Royal Barge Procession on the Chao Phraya River this Sunday. Preparations are underway at various locations along the river to accommodate spectators, and the event will be broadcast live on national television.

The Royal Barge Procession will occur on the Chao Phraya River this Sunday, October 27, to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s sixth-cycle birthday on July 28, 2024.

During the event, Their Majesties the King and Queen will board the ceremonial royal barge as part of their visit to Wat Arun Ratchawararam to present the Royal Kathina.

A total of 52 royal barges will sail in formation along a 4.2-kilometer stretch of the Chao Phraya River, starting from Wa Sukri Pier near Dusit Palace and making their way to Wat Arun Ratchawararam, passing under the Rama VIII Bridge and the Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Royal Thai Navy are establishing several spectator venues along the river, including a 4,000-seat area under the Rama VIII Bridge, a 1,500-seat venue at Santi Chai Prakan Park, a 1,130-seat venue at Thammasat University Tha Phrachan Campus, a 1,100-seat venue at the 72nd Anniversary Queen Sirikit Park, and a 100-seat venue at Sathan Phimuk Garden inside Siriraj Hospital.

Members of the public are welcome to greet Their Majesties at one of 14 designated venues, which include the river promenade at the Bank of Thailand; both sides of the Chao Phraya River under the Rama VIII Bridge; the river promenade at Santi Chai Prakan Park; beneath the Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge; the 60th Anniversary Plaza at Thammasat University Tha Phrachan Campus; the health park at Siriraj Hospital; Pridi Banomyong Square at Thammasat University Tha Phrachan Campus; Sathan Phimuk Garden at Siriraj Hospital; Tha Chang Pier; Wat Rakhangkhositaram; Tha Tian Pier; Wat Pho Pier; and Wat Arun Ratchawararam.

The royal procession will be broadcast live on national television through the Television Pool of Thailand starting at 2:30 p.m. on October 27. Large LED screens and speakers will be set up to enhance the viewing experience for spectators.

Those wishing to observe the procession are asked to bring a national ID card, passport, or another form of official identification. Families with children are encouraged to ensure that their children carry contact information for their parents in case they become separated. Individuals with medical conditions should remember to bring their necessary medications.

Spectators are welcome to bring drinking water, umbrellas, and hats, but these items must be stored in an orderly manner close to the time of the royal procession. Additionally, the public is kindly requested to avoid wearing black clothing when attending the event. (NNT)