BANGKOK, Dec 12 (TNA) – The royal barge procession for His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn will glide along the Chao Phraya River for the royal ‘kathin’ (monk’s robe offering) ceremony at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha Thursday afternoon as part of the final phase of His Majesty the King’s coronation.
The royal barge procession, comprising 52 ceremonial barges and boats will start at 3.30 p.m. at Wasukri pier and travel along the river to the Ratchaworadit Pier for a distance of about 3.5 km.
More than 2,200 oarsmen will take part in the elaborate procession, which will move in the synchronised formation, accompanied by the sound of traditional chanting.
His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Suthida and HRH Prince Dhipankara Rasmijoti will ride in the principle Suphannahong Royal Barge.
HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati and HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya will travel in the Anekkachatphuchong Royal Barge.
Anantanakaraj Royal Barge will carry the Phra Phuttha Patima Chaiwat, the Buddha image of His Majesty the late King RamaIX. The Royal Barge Narai Song Suban, King Rama IX, is a reserved royal barge.
Their Majesties the King and Queen and other royal family members will step ashore at Ratchaworadit pier, where a small procession by land will be arranged for His Majesty the King to proceed to the Grand Palace.
After the monk robe offering ceremony, Their Majesties and the royal families will return to the Dusit Palace in royal motorcades. (TNA)
