BANGKOK, Aug 8 (TNA) – The Royal Thai Navy on Thursday held
a rehearsal for the October’s Royal Barge procession as part of the nationwide
celebration of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s coronation.
Fifty two barges and around 2,200 oarsmen have prepared for
the historic and magnificent Royal Barge procession for His Majesty the King’s
first royal Buddhist kathin robe-offering rite on October 24.
All of the barges taking part in the rehearsal in the Chao
Phraya River were actual vessels, except four principle royal barges which will
be brought into a series of rehearsals beginning on August 22.
The four royal vessels are reserved for Their Majesties the
King and Queen and other members of the royal family, according to the Navy.
The rehearsal to practice the synchronized formation of the
vessels began at the Rama VIII Bridge heading towards the Grand Palace.
Vice Admiral Chongkol Misawat, head of the royal barge
procession organizing panel, said the preparation was 70 percent complete.
All naval personnel tasked as oarsmen would be fully ready
in time to perform in the procession, he said. 
Ten formal rehearsals and two full-dress rehearsals have
been scheduled to begin on August 22 and run until October 21.
For months, the Fine Department has repaired and refitted
the barges for the elaborate procession which will begin at Wasukri pier and
end at Wat Arun Ratchawararam temple’s pier. (TNA)
