International media turned their attention to Bangkok's Chao Phraya River for the Royal Barge Procession on 6 November.

Germany's Deutsche Presse-Agentur news agency (dpa) described a spectacle that is rare even in dazzling Thailand, seen only on special occasions, with 52 splendidly decorated barges gliding in artful formation toward Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. It also highlighted the striking contrast between this ancient ceremony and modern Bangkok, and what the procession says about the role of the monarchy.

Ahead of the procession, the Associated Press (AP) featured the dedication behind it. It reported that the rowers had to master not only the precise movements needed to keep the fleet in formation, but also the traditional boat songs sung during the procession, which help coordinate the rowing while expressing Thai cultural tradition.

A centuries-old tradition, carried by 2,200 oarsmen and watched by the world.