Marine Department restricts Chao Phraya traffic for royal barge rehearsals
Boat traffic on the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok Noi Canal will be restricted on August 17, 20 and 27 for Royal Barge Procession rehearsals.
The Marine Department has designated sections of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok Noi Canal as temporary controlled-navigation zones to support Royal Thai Navy rehearsals for the Royal Barge Procession.
The rehearsals are being held in preparation for the auspicious royal ceremony marking the fourth-cycle birthday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen on June 3, 2026.
The department said the preliminary rehearsals scheduled for August 17, 20 and 27 must be conducted safely, smoothly and with the dignity appropriate to the royal occasion.
Chao Phraya River restrictions
The controlled section of the Chao Phraya River extends from Krung Thon Bridge to Phra Pok Klao Bridge.
From 9am until the rehearsal is completed, ocean-going vessels, tugboats towing cargo barges and vessels carrying hazardous goods are asked to avoid passing through the controlled area.
From 12.30pm until the rehearsal is completed, all types of vessels are asked to avoid the section.
Passenger boat services will be adjusted as follows:
- Chao Phraya Express Boat: Services north of the controlled area may operate from Payap Pier northwards, while services to the south may operate from Ratchawong Pier southwards.
- Electric boats and cross-river ferries: Services at Wang Lang, Phra Chan, Maharaj, Tha Chang and Wat Rakang piers may continue until 12.30pm.
- Tha Tien ferry: Passenger services may continue until 3pm.
Bangkok Noi Canal closed to all vessels
The controlled section of Bangkok Noi Canal runs from the mouth of the canal to Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan.
From 12.30pm until the rehearsal is completed, all vessels will be strictly prohibited from entering or leaving the controlled navigation zone.
The Marine Department said the temporary restrictions were necessary to ensure that the Royal Barge Procession rehearsals were conducted safely and in a manner befitting the royal ceremony.
Boat operators, vessel owners and those in command of vessels have been instructed to comply strictly with the announcement.
Anyone violating the restrictions may face legal action under the Navigation in Thai Waters Act. Offenders are liable to a fine of between 500 and 5,000 baht, while the Marine Department may suspend a vessel operator’s certificate for up to six months.
