Bangkok:A ceremony was held to honor the guardian spirits of the royal barges in preparation for the upcoming royal barge procession. This event is set to coincide with the Kathina robe offering ceremony.

According to Thai News Agency, Admiral Nares Wongtrakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, led the ceremony at 759 AM. The event took place at Dock No. 1, Thonburi Naval Dockyard, Royal Thai Navy Dockyard Department, Arun Amarin Road, Bangkok Noi District, Bangkok. The ceremony was conducted to ensure auspiciousness before the royal barge procession on the Chao Phraya River, marking Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's 4th cycle birthday anniversary on June 3, 2026.

The Royal Thai Navy organized the ceremony to offer sacrifices to the guardian spirits of 52 royal barges and animal-shaped boats, moored at the Thonburi Naval Dockyard. These ceremonies are rooted in an ancient belief that each ship is protected by a guardian spirit. Such rituals are performed to secure good fortune and boost the morale of the crew.

During the ceremony, officials read incantations and prayers, and Admiral Wongtrakul presented garlands to the captains of various vessels. Representatives of naval officers, ship captains, and naval fleet members participated in the event, offering trays of garlands to their respective ships.

Admiral Wongtrakul expressed confidence in the preparedness of personnel for the Royal Barge Procession, describing it as a source of pride and a tribute to the monarchy. He assured that preparations have been ongoing since the beginning of the year, and that weather and ocean conditions are being closely monitored. The Commander-in-Chief also encouraged the public to follow the event, either in person or via live broadcast, highlighting its significance as an expression of loyalty to the monarchy.