Ceremonial barges rehearse in formation on the river with Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, visible prominently in the background. The rehearsal is part of preparations for the 2026 Royal Barge Procession and the Royal Kathin Ceremony scheduled for November 6, 2026. Photographed on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 3, 2026.Visitors and members of the public will have the opportunity to witness the Royal Barge Procession 2026 and its rehearsals along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, ahead of the Royal Kathin Ceremony on 6 November 2026.
The Royal Barge Procession will take place on 6 November for the Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, as part of celebrations marking the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana’s fourth-cycle, or 48th, birthday anniversary on 3 June 2026.
During the ceremony, His Majesty the King will present Kathin robes to Buddhist monks in Her Majesty’s honour.
Centuries old and traditionally reserved for major royal and religious occasions, the Royal Barge Procession combines ceremonial protocol, naval skill and intricate craftsmanship preserved across generations.
For the 2026 procession, 52 royal barges will be manned by 2,200 Royal Thai Navy personnel. The fleet will be arranged in five columns and three lines, forming a procession approximately 1,280 metres long and 90 metres wide.
The fleet includes four principal royal barges: Suphannahong, or Golden Swan; Anantanakkharat, or Multi-headed Naga; Narai Song Suban King Rama IX; and Anekkachatphutchong, or Innumerable Naga Figures.
The royal barges will depart from Wasukri Pier and travel along the Chao Phraya River, passing Phra Sumen Fort, Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge, Siriraj Hospital, the Grand Palace and the Royal Thai Navy Auditorium before arriving at Wat Arun Ratchawararam. The route follows the traditional course established during the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great.
Rehearsals from August to October
Ahead of the Royal Kathin Ceremony, the Royal Thai Navy will conduct 12 rehearsals between August and October, comprising 10 minor rehearsals and two full-dress rehearsals. Each rehearsal is expected to begin at approximately 14.30 Hrs.
The 10 minor rehearsals are scheduled for 17, 20 and 27 August; 3, 8, 17 and 23 September; and 2, 8 and 15 October. The two full-dress rehearsals will take place on 21 and 28 October.
Visitors and members of the public can observe the rehearsals from viewing areas along both banks of the Chao Phraya River between Krung Thon Bridge and Wat Arun Ratchawararam.
The same stretch of riverfront will also provide opportunities to witness the Royal Barge Procession on 6 November.
The Royal Kathin Ceremony is an annual Buddhist merit-making tradition following the end of Buddhist Lent, when robes and other offerings are presented to monks. When performed by the monarch, it becomes a Royal Kathin Ceremony, bringing together Thailand’s royal and Buddhist traditions in a significant ceremonial observance.
