Bangkok: The Royal Thai Navy conducted an inspection of the oarsmen preparing for the upcoming royal barge procession scheduled for November 6, 2026. This significant event will involve 52 royal barges and over 2,200 personnel engaging in intensive rehearsals both on land and water to ensure a ceremony that honors His Majesty.
According to Thai News Agency, Vice Admiral Rattana Ruangrung, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel Affairs and Chairman of the Royal Barge Procession Preparation Committee, led the inspection. He was welcomed by Rear Admiral Pisit Rangsiphanurat, Director of the Naval Transportation Department, at the Royal Barge Procession Fleet Headquarters in Bangkok Noi.
The preparation involves training the oarsmen in proper rowing techniques. The Royal Thai Navy has already trained 58 royal barge captains and 104 helmsmen who will serve as instructors. Currently, the oarsmen are undergoing land-based rowing training to familiarize themselves with the oars before advancing to water-based exercises.
Vice Admiral Rattana addressed the troops during the training, emphasizing the importance of their roles in the procession. The event is a demonstration of loyalty to the monarchy as His Majesty the King has permitted the Royal Thai Navy to organize the procession for the presentation of Kathina robes at Wat Arun Ratchawararam.
The procession will cover approximately 3.9 kilometers on the Chao Phraya River, from Tha Wasukri Pier to Wat Arun, with the Royal Barge Suphannahong carrying the King and the Royal Barge Anantanagaraj carrying monastic robes. The arrangement of the barges in five rows and three lines will create a spectacle 1,200 meters long and 90 meters wide.
Vice Admiral Rattana encouraged the personnel to take pride in their participation, stressing the importance of synchronicity and adherence to royal traditions. Achieving these requires rigorous training, and he urged all involved to dedicate themselves fully to the task to ensure the procession is executed smoothly and honorably.
The royal barge procession will feature various types of barges, including the central procession with the Suphannahong Royal Barge and other support vessels. The inner and outer processions will include lead boats, destroyers, animal-shaped boats, towing boats, longboats, and escort vessels, all in accordance with ancient royal traditions.