To honor the "Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty The King's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary, 28th July 2024," the Royal Barge Procession will be held on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok on 27 October 2024. This will be the second Royal Barge Procession in the present reign, with the first having taken place on 12 December 2019 to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty The King.
The royal barge procession will carry Their Majesties, the King and Queen, to Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan for the robe-offering (kathin) ceremony. The river procession will feature 52 barges, including four principal royal barges: the Suphannahong, Narayana Song Suban, Anantanagaraj, Anekajatbhujonga. Two thousand two hundred oarsmen will row the ceremonial barges along the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Pier to Wat Arun, in a formation 1.2 kilometers long and 90 meters wide. The event will take place from 15:00 to 18:00 hours on 27 October.
This event is highly anticipated by both Thai citizens and international visitors, highlighting Thailand's vibrant cultural heritage. The Royal Barge Procession is a vital aspect of Thai tradition, intertwining religious significance, royal customs, and remarkable craftsmanship. It takes place infrequently, reserved for the most important cultural and religious occasions.