Thailand invites the public, residents and visitors alike, to witness rehearsals for the Royal Barge Procession, one of the country's most magnificent and rarely seen royal traditions, ahead of the official 2026 Royal Kathin Ceremony on 6 November.

The Royal Kathin Ceremony is an annual Buddhist merit-making tradition held at the end of the Buddhist Lent, during which robes and offerings are presented to monks. When performed by the monarch, it becomes a Royal Kathin Ceremony, one of the most significant events in the Thai royal and religious calendar.

This year's ceremony celebrates the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty the Queen's Fourth Cycle Birthday Anniversary (3 June 2026), during which His Majesty the King will present Kathin robes to Buddhist monks in her honor.

∙ Where to Watch
Spectators can view the rehearsals and pay their respects along both banks of the Chao Phraya River, from Krung Thon Bridge to Wat Arun Ratchawararam.

∙ Rehearsal Schedule
◇ August 17, 20, 27
◇ September 3, 8, 17, 23
◇ October 2, 8, 15

∙ Full Dress Rehearsals
◇ October 21, 28

∙ About the Procession
The procession will feature 52 royal barges, manned by 2,200 Royal Thai Navy personnel, arranged in five columns and three lines — a formation stretching roughly 1,280 meters long and 90 meters wide.

The barges will depart from Wasukri Pier and travel along the Chao Phraya River, passing iconic landmarks including Phra Sumen Fort, Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge, Siriraj Hospital, the Grand Palace, and the Royal Thai Navy Auditorium, before arriving at Wat Arun Ratchawararam — following the same traditional route used since the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great.

As a centuries-old tradition, the Royal Barge Procession is reserved exclusively for the most important royal ceremonies, including Royal Kathin ceremonies and coronations.

∙ The Suphannahong Royal Barge
Among the fleet, the principal Suphannahong Royal Barge stands out as a masterpiece of Thai craftsmanship. Its current vessel was built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and completed in 1911 under King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) — though the barge's origins trace back to the Ayutthaya period. Famed for its gilded, swan-shaped bow, it was honored with the World Ship Trust Maritime Heritage Award in 1992.

Don't miss this rare chance to witness a living piece of Thai royal heritage in motion.