Thai Navy schedules four September royal barge rehearsals
Spectators can watch from seven riverside locations as the barges travel from Rama VIII Bridge to Wat Arun ahead of the November 6 ceremony
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) will conduct four minor rehearsals for the 2026 Royal Barge Procession in September, with the royal barges due to begin moving from the Rama VIII Bridge area at 3pm and finish at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan.
The sessions will be used to practise the ceremonial formation for His Majesty the King’s river journey to present royal Kathin robes. The procession is being organised on the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s fourth-cycle birthday anniversary on June 3, 2026.
The Royal Barge Procession and royal Kathin robe-offering ceremony will take place on Friday, November 6, 2026.
Four September rehearsal dates
The September schedule comprises:
- Rehearsal 4 on Thursday (September 3, 2026).
- Rehearsal 5 on Tuesday (September 8, 2026).
- Rehearsal 6 on Thursday (September 17, 2026).
- Rehearsal 7 on Wednesday (September 23, 2026).
Where the public can watch
The Navy has identified viewing areas on both banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Thonburi bank
- Beneath Rama VIII Bridge near the King Rama VIII Monument.
- The 72nd Anniversary Commemoration Park beside Siriraj Hospital.
- Wat Rakhang Khositaram pier.
- Wat Arun Ratchawararam.
Phra Nakhon bank
- Santichaiprakan Public Park beside Phra Sumen Fort.
- Tha Maharaj.
- Tha Chang.
The Navy said rehearsals would continue weekly until the November 6 ceremony.
