Thailand's Ministry of Defence is ramping up efforts for the prestigious Royal Barge Procession that will accompany His Majesty the King during the Kathina robe offering ceremony set for November 6, 2026, at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahaviharn in Bangkok. This ceremonial event stands as a testament to Thailand's rich cultural and historical legacy.
On May 25, 2026, General Tharaphong Malakham, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, spearheaded an official oversight of readiness initiatives. Joined by top defence officials and military representatives, the team visited the Royal Barge Section under the Royal Thai Navy Transportation Department in Bangkok Noi district to evaluate the preparedness of personnel, royal vessels, and ceremonial activities.
The focus of the inspection was on the training of royal barge oarsmen, regarded as a crucial component of the ceremony. The Royal Thai Navy has successfully completed training for 58 royal barge captains and 104 helmsmen who will serve as mentors for the rowing teams designated for the various royal barges.
Currently, preparation involves land-based rowing drills where oarsmen practice synchronization, posture, and rowing tempo using specially crafted training boards. This phase helps participants acclimate to the weight and dynamics of ceremonial oars before transitioning to water-based practices on Bangkok’s rivers and canals.
Once the land-training is finalized, rowing teams will move on to on-water practice sessions to refine navigation skills, coordinated movements, and formation discipline. The final rehearsals and complete dress rehearsals will take place along the actual river route for the royal event in November.
During the inspection, defence officials also reviewed the restoration and upkeep of the royal barges and the animal-shaped ceremonial boats housed at the National Museum of Royal Barges. This restoration work is overseen by the Thonburi Naval Dockyard and employs traditional conservation techniques passed down through generations to ensure the longevity of these historic wooden vessels.
Technicians have repaired seams between wooden planks using raw cotton threads, sealing the surfaces with a blend of resin and turpentine to thwart water seepage and prevent wood decay from marine life. After the structural repairs, the barges were handed over to Thailand's Fine Arts Department for intricate decorative restoration managed by skilled traditional craftsmen.
The 2026 Royal Barge Procession will also honor the fourth cycle birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Thai authorities have affirmed that preparations are on track, emphasizing the event's role in celebrating the nation's royal heritage, naval artistry, craftsmanship, and unity in front of both local and global audiences.
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