Designated viewing spots will be available for people wanting to watch the full-dress rehearsal of the Royal Barge Procession on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok today, according to the Public Relations Department.
Gilded and garlanded: A worker decorates a replica of the royal barge ‘Suphannahong’ with flowers. The replica is displayed on Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue ahead of the Royal Barge Ceremony on Oct 27, which marks the royal ‘kathin’ ceremony. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
The procession is being organised as part of a royal kathin (robe offering) ceremony on Oct 27 to celebrate His Majesty the King's 72nd birthday, which fell on July 28.
Thai and foreign visitors are invited to watch today's dress rehearsal.
The procession will consist of 52 barges with 2,200 oarsmen. The barges will proceed in five rows and three columns: 1,200 metres long and 90 metres wide.
The procession starts from Wasukri Pier (Wat Rachathiwat Pier), passes under Rama VIII Bridge and Phra Pinklao Bridge, and ends at Wat Arun. The total distance is 4.2 kilometres.
The rehearsal will start at 3pm and the city has prepared viewing areas for the public with mobile restroom facilities at the following locations:
- Under Rama VIII Bridge (Thon Buri side), 4,000 seats
- Santichaiprakarn Park, 1,500 seats
- Thammasat University, Tha Phra Chan, 1,130 seats
- Chalermprakiat 72nd Birthday Park, 1,100 seats
- Siriraj Hospital (Sathan Phimuk Garden), 100 seats
