Post by : Shakul
The Ministry of Defence in Thailand is ramping up efforts for the distinguished Royal Barge Procession, set to occur on November 6, 2026, during the Kathina robe offering ceremony at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahaviharn in Bangkok. This prestigious event stands as a vital part of Thailand's royal traditions, embodying the nation's rich cultural and historical roots.
On May 25, 2026, General Tharaphong Malakham, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, spearheaded an official review of the ongoing preparations. Accompanied by high-ranking defence officials and military personnel, the group assessed readiness at the Royal Barge Section under the Royal Thai Navy Transportation Department located in the Bangkok Noi district.
The review placed considerable emphasis on training for the royal barge oarsmen, a critical component of the ceremony. The Royal Thai Navy has successfully completed training for 58 royal barge captains and 104 helmsmen, who will later guide the rowing teams assigned to various royal barges during the procession.
Currently, training includes land-based rowing exercises to enhance coordination, posture, and rhythm with the use of specially made training boards. This phase is essential for familiarizing the oarsmen with the ceremonial oars' weight and movement before they progress to actual water activities on Bangkok’s rivers and canals.
Once land training concludes, the rowing teams will transition to real-water practice sessions to perfect their navigation skills, synchronization, and formation discipline. Final rehearsals will culminate along the designated river route prior to the royal ceremony in November.
During the inspection, defence officials also evaluated the restoration and upkeep of the royal barges and ceremonial boats at the National Museum of Royal Barges. This preservation work, which adheres to traditional methods passed down through ages, is monitored by the Thonburi Naval Dockyard.
Technicians are meticulously repairing the wooden barges, sealing gaps with raw cotton and applying a mixture of resin and turpentine to thwart water intrusion and wood decay. Once structural repairs are completed, the vessels will proceed to the Fine Arts Department for detailed decorative restoration, overseen by skilled traditional craftsmen.
The 2026 Royal Barge Procession will also honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's fourth cycle birthday anniversary. Thai authorities confirm that preparations are on track to showcase the country's royal heritage, naval tradition, craftsmanship, and unity to both domestic and international audiences.
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