Thailand hosts Royal Barge Procession 2026 rehearsals in Bangkok.
The Royal Barge Procession 2026 and its rehearsals down Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River begin on August 17 and end with the Royal Kathin Ceremony on November 6, 2026. The public is invited.
Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana‘s fourth-cycle, or 48th, birthday celebrations will include the Royal Barge Procession for the Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun Ratchawararam on November 6. During the ceremony, the King will give Buddhist monks Kathin robes in Her Majesty’s honour.
The centuries-old Royal Barge Procession mixes ceremonial procedure, naval expertise, and craftsmanship and is a vital element of Thailand’s royal heritage.
52 royal barges with 2,200 Royal Thai Navy men will march in 2026. The fleet will create a 1,280-metre-long, 90-metre-wide parade in five columns and three lines.
Suphannahong (Golden Swan), Anantanakkharat (Multi-headed Naga), Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, and Anekkachatphutchong would be the main royal barges.
The boats will leave Wasukri Pier and traverse the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun Ratchawararam, past Phra Sumen Fort, Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge, Siriraj Hospital, the Grand Palace, and the Royal Thai Navy Auditorium.
The Royal Thai Navy will do 12 rehearsals—10 minor and two full-dress—before the November ceremony. Each should start at 2:30 pm.
Minor rehearsals are August 17, 20 and 27; September 3, 8, 17 and 23; and October 2, 8 and 15. On October 21 and 28, full-dress rehearsals will occur.
Both banks of the Chao Phraya River between Krung Thon Bridge and Wat Arun Ratchawararam offer viewing locations for rehearsals. The Royal Barge Procession on November 6 will be viewed along the riverfront.
