Regal parade
Nothing on the Chao Phya River is more stunning than a procession of royal barges.
Published on November 6, 2007
Thousands of yellow-clad Thais flocked to both sides of the river yesterday to witness 52 barges - including four royal ones - participating in the Royal Kathin Ceremony.
The procession, involving 2,098 men, was one of the highlights of this year's celebrations for His Majesty the King, who has reigned for 60 years and will be 80 years old on December 5.
The procession started from Vasukri Pier at Sam Sen and concluded at Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn.
On the Suphannahongse Royal Barge was
HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who took part in the procession on behalf of His Majesty the King.
As the procession moved past Siriraj Hospital, where His Majesty and his elder sister HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana are receiving medical treatment, every barge paid respect to the revered royal members.
The Crown Prince's royal consort
Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasmi, his daughters
HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana and
HRH Princess Bajra Kitiyabha, and his son
HRH Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti watched the procession from the Royal Thai Naval Institute.
Bangkok's Independent Newspaper
Royal Barge procession thrills Bangkok
BangkokPost.com
Bangkokians received a rare treat on Monday afternoon, and turned out in large numbers to witness the grandeur of the Royal Barge procession on the Chao Phraya River.
Spectators' areas along both sides of the river were fully booked ahead of the Royal Kathin ceremony in which 52 barges and more than 2,000 Navy oarsmen took part.
His Majesty the King graciously requested that H
RH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn preside over the ceremony on his behalf.
This morning Adm Sathiraphan Keyanont conducted a religious ceremony to pay respects to a spiritual deity, an important part of the royal barge processions.
Traditionally, the Thai king takes his place on the century-old royal barge Suphannahongse, or "Golden Swan", to deliver robes to monks in a ceremony marking the end of Buddhist Lent.
However, government officials said His Majesty will not be attending the outing of the Royal Barges, while he recovers from medical treatment at Siriraj Hospital.
The Royal Household Bureau has said the King is regaining strength each day, news welcomed throughout the country.
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Pictures
Prince on Board
Prince on Board
Prince on Board
Prince on Board
Prince on Board, in front of Siriraj Hospital, where HM the King is receiving medical treatment
Prince on Board, waving to his family
Arriving Temple of Dawn
Arriving Temple of Dawn
Arriving Temple of Dawn
Royal Robe - Katin - On Anantanagaraj Royal Barge
HRH Princess Bhajrakitiyabha and her brother HRH Prince Dipangkorn Rasamijoti
3 Princesses and little Prince on another boat on the way back to the palace
3 Princesses and little Prince on another boat on the way back to the palace