Bangkok: The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, Admiral Pairoj Fuengchan, recently conducted a comprehensive inspection of the oarsmen designated for the royal barge procession. This inspection, both on land and in water, is a significant step in the preparation for the royal barge procession scheduled during the Kathina robe offering ceremony in 2026, honoring Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's 4th cycle birthday anniversary on June 3, 2026. The event took place at the Royal Barge Section, Small Fleet Division, Royal Thai Navy Transportation Department in Bangkok Noi District, Bangkok, where Admiral Fuengchan was greeted by Vice Admiral Rattana Ruangrung, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Navy and Chairman of the Royal Barge Procession Preparation Committee.
According to Thai News Agency, the training of the royal barge oarsmen is an essential component of the preparation process. The Royal Thai Navy has previously provided extensive training on rowing techniques and procedures to 58 royal barge captains and 104 royal barge helmsmen. These trained personnel will now serve as instructors for their respective units. The current training phase involves land-based rowing, known as "rowing on a training block," to help oarsmen acclimate to the physical demands of rowing. This phase will be followed by water-based training to enhance the oarsmen's skills in boat control, with separate sessions for each unit. The preparation plan also includes personnel readiness, oar training, royal barge repairs, and pier preparations. The Thonburi Naval Dockyard has completed the repair of the royal barges using traditional techniques, and the barges have been handed over to the Fine Arts Department for decoration.
The upcoming procession will feature 52 royal barges arranged in five rows, covering a length of 1,200 meters and a width of 90 meters, with 2,200 personnel participating. The central procession includes the Suphannahong Royal Barge, used by the King, and other significant vessels like the Narai Song Suban and Anekchat Phuchong. The inner and outer processions will include various animal-shaped boats and escort vessels, each serving a specific ceremonial or protective purpose.
Admiral Fuengchan expressed his gratitude to the instructors, oarsmen, and all involved parties for their dedication and hard work, which have ensured the smooth execution of preparations according to the planned schedule.