Thai Fleet: 2,000 Rowers Ready for River Ceremony
The Royal Thai Navy has completed months of training for the 52-boat procession scheduled for Friday on the Chao Phraya River.
By Jason Wood ·
More than 2,000 oarsmen will propel a fleet of 52 barges along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok on Friday.
The Royal Barge Procession is a centuries-old tradition tied to the Buddhist Kathin ceremony. This annual event occurs after the end of Buddhist Lent, a three-month retreat in the rainy season during which monks remain in their monasteries. Buddhists offer kathin robes to these monks as part of the ritual.
The fleet will transport King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Queen Suthida, and members of the royal family to the Wat Arun Ratchawararam temple. The 2,200 oarsmen are members of the Royal Thai Navy. They began training in June at a navy dockyard. In late July, the crews moved to the river for rehearsals. Full dress rehearsals took place twice in late October, attracting spectators on both banks.
Rowers must maintain a precise formation of five columns and three lines. They also perform traditional boat songs during the event. These songs coordinate the rowing rhythm and display Thai cultural heritage. The Fine Arts Department has restored the wooden vessels, preserving traditional artistic details while conducting safety inspections and decorative work.
Four principal royal barges feature the most elaborate designs. One prow bears the head of a golden mythical swan. Others display the multi-headed Naga serpent or the Hindu deity Narayana riding a mythical bird-like creature. The procession is reserved for special royal occasions.
This year's ceremony marks an auspicious time for Queen Suthida. She turned 48 in June, completing her fourth 12-year cycle. The last procession occurred in 2024. It commemorated King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 72nd birthday, his sixth 12-year cycle.
Source: The Hour
