BANGKOK: Rehearsals for Thailand’s 2026 Royal Barge Procession began on the Chao Phraya River on Monday (August 17), opening a programme of 12 practice sessions before the royal ceremony on November 6.
Ten rehearsals will be conducted between Aug 17 and Oct 15, followed by two full-dress rehearsals on Octr 21 and 28.
The procession will form part of the royal journey to Wat Arun Ratchawararam for the annual royal Kathin robe-offering ceremony.
The occasion also marks Her Majesty the Queen’s fourth-cycle birthday anniversary on Jun 3, 2026.
The Royal Thai Navy has prepared 52 ceremonial vessels and more than 2,200 personnel for the procession.
The rehearsals will take place on Augt 17, 20, 27, Sep 3, 8, 17, 23, Oct 2, 8 and 15. Two full-dress rehearsals will then follow on Octr 21 and 28.
The Royal Barge Procession and royal Kathin ceremony will take place on Nov 6.
Members of the public and tourists may watch the rehearsals from both sides of the Chao Phraya River between Rama VIII Bridge and Wat Arun. The rehearsals are expected to begin at about 2.30pm.
Suggested viewing locations include Rama VIII Park, Santichaiprakarn Park, 72nd Anniversary Commemoration Park beside Siriraj Hospital, Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus, Tha Maharaj, Royal Thai Navy Club, Wat Rakhang Khositaram, Royal Thai Naval Institute, Niwet Woradit Pier and Tha Tien.
The published rehearsal route runs from the area around Rama VIII Bridge to Wat Arun Ratchawararam. - Nation/ANN
