Royal barge procession in Thailand: final phase of King Rama X's coronation

The Royal Thai Government invites the public to witness the spectacular Royal Barge Procession along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday, December 12, 2019.

A historic event

This historic event on the occasion of the coronation of His Majesty King Rama X will be the first royal barge procession under the current reign.

The royal coronation ceremony consists of three phases: the primary phase, the royal coronation phase, and the final phase.

The Royal Barge Procession will be the final stage of the coronation of His Majesty the King in 2019 .

On this occasion, the government invites the public to attend an audience with Their Majesties the King and Queen, who will participate in the procession of royal barges in the city, on the Chao Phraya River, from Wasukri Quay to Ratchaworadit Quay.

Progress of the Royal Barge Procession

The event will begin on December 12 at 3:30 p.m.

The procession of royal barges includes 52 barges, including four large royal barges:

• the Suphannahong, or golden swan;
• the Anantanakkharat, or multi-headed Nagas;
• the Anekkachatphutchong, or Naga with countless figures;
• the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX.

There will be 2,200 rowers on a journey of approximately 45 minutes over 3.4 kilometers.

How to attend the Royal Barge Procession

Six locations have been set up to accommodate people on this occasion.

These include Santichai Prakan Park, Thammasat University, Nagaraphirom Park, Siriraj Hospital, King Bhumibol's 72nd Birthday Park, and under the Rama VIII Bridge in Thon Buri.

The public is invited to wear yellow shirts to offer their best wishes and show their loyalty to Their Majesties the King and Queen on this auspicious occasion.

They are advised to arrive at the designated locations before 1:00 p.m.

The checkpoints will operate from 06:00 hours.

Control units will be installed at the entrances of various designated sites along both banks of the Chao Phraya River.

The Government Public Relations Department (PRD) is also preparing locations for photographers to facilitate coverage of this event by Thai and international media.

Six temples on both sides of the Chao Phraya River will hold a Buddhist chanting ceremony in honor of Their Majesties.

Wat = temple in Thai.

Wat Rachathiwat Ratchaworawihan, Wat Thewarat Kunchorn Worawiharn, Wat Sam Phraya, Wat Bowon Mongkhon, Wat Karuhabodee, and Wat Rakhang Kositaram will each begin the chanting ceremony when the royal barge approaches the temple's waterfront and will end when the procession has passed the temple.

History and symbols

The Royal Barge Procession is a ceremonial water procession reserved for the river journeys of kings during royal ceremonies since the Sukhothai period.

In addition to demonstrating the monarch's power as a defender of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the kingdom, the procession would also be a way to display the monarch's glory and show the loyalty and unity of the fighting forces and the people in general.

The royal procession of barges showcases the artistic and cultural heritage of the Thai nation.

It's a rare sight, and many people wish they had the chance to witness the visual feast at least once in their lifetime.

The barges are richly decorated and feature superb Thai craftsmanship in many areas.

There is no such tradition in other countries."

Namely

The Royal Barge Procession will be broadcast live in Thai and English on radio and television from 3:15 p.m. until the end of the event.

Water traffic will be closed in areas during the procession.

Land traffic will only be closed in the areas of Rama VIII Bridge and Phra Pinklao Bridge, where the royal barge procession passes.

Free transport during the royal barge procession

Bangkok's Airport Rail Link is offering free transportation on December 12 to those heading to the Chao Phraya River and viewpoints.

National Railways of Thailand Director General Suthep Panpeng says the Airport Rail Link, which carries passengers from Suvarnabhumi in the east to Phayathai in central Bangkok, will offer free rides from 5:30 a.m. to midnight.

Free tickets will be available at all stations. It is expected that other concessions and free transport options will be available on the day to help people get around the city.

Source: tatnews.org