Display of Three Royal Barges and Demonstration of Chanting Barge-Rowing Songs

The Royal Thai Navy invites the public to view three royal barges and a demonstration of chanting the rhythmic barge-rowing songs, which are part of the Royal Barge Procession in honor of His Majesty the King on the occasion of His Majesty sixth-cycle (72nd) birthday anniversary, 28 July 2024.

The three royal barges – the Suphannahong, the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, and the Anantanakkharat – will be displayed on 28-29 July 2024 at the Ratchaworadit pier on Maha Rat Road in Bangkok. There will be a show of chanting barge-rowing songs twice a day during the period. 

The show will last 25 minutes each time. On 28 July, it will take place at 15.00 hr and 20.30 hr. On 29 July, it is scheduled for 17.00 hr and 20.00 hr. Along with the display of three royal barges and the demonstration of chanting barge-rowing songs, the Royal Thai Navy will also organize an exhibition in honor of His Majesty the King.

People are invited to view the activities and the exhibition at the Royal Thai Naval Institute. Admission is free. They are encouraged to wear yellow shirts in joining this event.

The Royal Barge Procession to commemorate the sixth-cycle birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua (Rama X) is scheduled for 27 October 2024. It will be organized for a royal journey to present kathin robes to Buddhist monks at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) in Bangkok.

The procession will comprise 52 barges, manned by 2,200 crew members. It will be 1,200 meters long and 90 meters wide. The chanting of barge-rowing songs will also be arranged during the Royal Barge Procession. This time there will be five verse chapters, composed by Rear Admiral Thongyoi Sangsinchai, a retired naval officer.

The royal barge procession on 27 October 2024 will be the second in the present reign. This ceremonial water-borne procession is a rare spectacle, arranged on special occasions only.