Thai navy holds second full-dress Royal Barge Procession rehearsal
About 2,200 naval personnel and 52 ceremonial barges will form the procession, with public viewing areas along both banks of the Chao Phraya River.
- The Royal Thai Navy conducted its second full-dress rehearsal for the Royal Barge Procession on October 28, 2026.
- The rehearsal is in preparation for the final ceremony on November 6, an event to offer Kathin robes and mark the Queen's fourth-cycle birthday.
- The practice focused on ensuring the readiness and coordination of approximately 2,200 personnel and 52 ceremonial barges for a smooth and dignified procession.
The Royal Thai Navy held its second full-dress rehearsal for the Royal Barge Procession on Wednesday (October 28, 2026), in preparation for the royal journey to offer Kathin robes in the annual merit-making ceremony for 2026.
The ceremony marks the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s fourth-cycle birthday, which fell on Wednesday (June 3, 2026).
The rehearsal focused on reviewing all aspects of personnel’s readiness, including physical fitness, rowing to the correct rhythm, steering and coordination between vessels, so that the procession moves in unison and in accordance with established ceremonial practice.
The aim is to ensure that the procession on the day of the royal ceremony proceeds smoothly and safely, with dignity befitting the royal occasion.
The procession will involve about 2,200 personnel from various navy units and 52 ceremonial barges, arranged in five columns and three lines, with a length of about 1,280 metres and a width of 90 metres.
The Anantanakkharat royal barge will carry the Kathin robes in a canopied pavilion, while the Suphannahong royal barge will carry the royal throne.
The Anekkachatphuchong will serve as the secondary royal barge, and the Narai Song Suban HM Rama IX as the reserve royal barge.
The navy has invited the public to gather along both banks of the Chao Phraya River, from Rama VIII Bridge to Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan, to pay their respects during the royal journey to the Kathin robe-offering ceremony on Friday (November 6, 2026).
On the Thon Buri side, viewing points are beneath Rama VIII Bridge, on the King Rama VIII Monument side of the bridge; at the 72nd Birthday Anniversary Park beside Siriraj Hospital; at Wat Rakhang Khositaram Pier; and at Wat Arun Ratchawararam.
On the Phra Nakhon side, viewing points are at Santichaiprakan Public Park beside Phra Sumen Fort, Tha Maharaj and Tha Chang.
These locations will give the public an opportunity to admire the beauty of the royal barge procession, a treasured part of the nation’s cultural heritage that reflects the intricate Thai artistry passed down through generations.
The full-dress rehearsal marks another important step in the navy’s preparations, covering personnel, boat handling and the orderly formation of the procession, to ensure the Royal Barge Procession on Friday (November 6, 2026) proceeds with grace and the utmost dignity befitting the royal occasion.
