BANGKOK, Oct 22 (TNA) – The second rehearsal of the Royal
Barge Procession has been conducted amid crowds of spectators along the Chao
Phraya River banks ahead of the much-anticipated royal ceremony rescheduled for
December 12.
The government last week announced the rescheduling of the
procession from October 24 to December 12 in order to ensure that the event is
manageable and proceed in an orderly manner.
Over 2,000 oarsmen took part in the rehearsal of the
grandeur procession Monday afternoon.
Fifty two royal vessels floated in uniformity during the rehearsal.
The postponement necessitates additions of five more
rehearsals in November and December.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said the Royal Thai
Navy predicted that the speed of the water current on the Chao Phraya River
could pose a problem for the procession.
The government then sought His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s advice
and received his approval.
The ancient procession is a part of His Majesty’s
coronation.
The Royal Thai Navy’s Hydrographic Department reported that
during previous rehearsals the vessels encountered strong water currents and
high water levels that expected to continue, Wissanu said.
The deputy premier also explained that the government was
tasked to ensure the safety of the royal vessels and their crew.(TNA)
