According to the Government Public Relations Department (PRD), Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Wissanu Krea-ngam, the weather and water conditions in Chao Phraya river could cause difficulties for the procession on 24 October. This conclusion is based on 10 minor rehearsals and one full-dress rehearsal of the Royal Barge Procession. One more full-dress rehearsal scheduled for 21 October will be held as planned.
The King was informed on the situation and asked to graciously consider postponing the event. His Majesty the King granted the new date for the Royal Barge Procession on 12 December at 3.30 pm.
The PRD's representative confirmed that the formation of the Royal Barge Procession will remain unchanged and be as grand and spectacular as originally planned.
The Royal Barge Procession will begin at the Wasukri pier at 3.30 pm. His Majesty the King will travel down the river to Wat Arun to present robes to Buddhist monks as part of Royal Kathin Ceremony. About 2,300 oarsmen will take part in the procession rowing over 50 barges arranged into five groups. The total distance the procession will cover is about four kilometers.
The Royal Barge Procession will mark the conclusion of the Royal Coronation Ceremony, which is considered one of the most important events for all Thai kings.
Royal Barge Procession Rescheduled – Thailand
News in Asia
The Royal Barge Procession in Thailand on the occasion of the coronation of His Majesty the King Rama X originally set for Thursday, 24 October, 2019, has been rescheduled to Thursday, 12 December, 2019.