King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida sailed in a royal barge procession along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok to celebrate the Queen’s 4th cycle birthday.
Historic scenes were witnessed in Bangkok today as the Thai Royal Family participated in a royal barge procession to the Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan (Temple of Dawn). The moving sight is rarely seen in the capital, with the ancient gilded barges, each with its own distinct meaning, proceeding down the river to the temple.
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- Photo: Royal Office of Thailand
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- Photo: Royal Office of Thailand
Today, King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida were joined, in a separate barge, by Princess Sirivannavari, Prince Dipangkorn, and the Royal Noble Consort Sineenat, as the royals sailed along the Chao Phraya River to preside over the Royal Kathin Robe-Offering Ceremony for the year B.E. 2569 (2026).
The ceremony is held on the auspicious occasion of the celebration of Queen Suthida’s 4th Cycle (48th) birthday on 3 June 2026. Barge processions are an over 700-year-old tradition that takes place only on very significant occasions.
Hundreds lined the route of the procession, aiming to catch a glimpse of the truly stunning scenes on the river.
52 Royal Barges manned by 2,200 Royal Thai Navy personnel comprised this year’s formation, which consisted of four principal barges: Anantanakkharat, or Multi-headed Naga; Anekkachatphutchong, or Innumerable Naga Figures; Narai Song Suban King Rama IX; and Suphannahong, or Golden Swan — which served as the King and Queen’s barge.
At the Temple of Dawn, the Thai royals offered robes to various monks, including the abbot of the temple.
In the run-up to the event, numerous rehearsals were held, where many members of the public watched the rowers and sailors practice their route. The procession stretched approximately 1,200 metres long and 90 metres wide.
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