The Royal Barge Procession - Centuries Old Royal Boat Ceremony- Bangkok Thailand 2024

The Royal Barge Procession is a special event held on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The tradition dates back centuries to when Ayutthaya was the capital of what was known as Siam. The most recent Royal Barge Procession took place in 2019 for the coronation of King Rama X, the current monarch. This year’s event was in honour of the King’s 72nd birthday, a significant milestone in Thai culture because it completes a 12-year cycle.

The Royal Barge Procession was a regular and important event for the Kings of Siam dating back to the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767) and has continued to the present day. The ceremony temporarily ceased in the 1930s but was restored in the 1950s during the reign of King Rama IX. During the Second World War many of the boats were damaged or destroyed and they were restored by the former king in order to continue this tradition.

The personnel in the ceremony are all sailors from the Royal Thai Navy. Being selected for the Royal Barge Procession is an incredible honor for the selected personnel.

The procession usually involves 52 barges with over 2,000 oarsmen. The largest boat is the Suphannahong Royal Barge which carries the King. Manned by 50 oarsmen, the boat features a golden figurehead in the shape of a mythical swan like creature known as hong.

This is an event that doesn’t happen often and it’s a real treat to be able to see it. The boats that are used can be seen at the National Museum of Royal Barges in Bangkok Noi. You can see them up close and can appreciate the craftsmanship involved in making each one.

Enjoy the video!

You can also see my videos on Rumble, Bitchute, Odysee and Subscribe Star. If you have any questions or comments and wish to contact me directly I can be reached by email at endlessjourneytravels@gmail.com

https://www.bitchute.com/channel/pYUe8EgYcUMc/

https://odysee.com/$/latest/@EndlessJourney

https://rumble.com/c/EndlessJourney

https://www.subscribestar.com/endless-journey

Follow me on Twitter @AEndlessJourney

#endlessjourney
#travel
#thailand