Adm Phairoj Fueangchan, the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy Adm Phairoj Fueangchan, on Wednesday visited naval personnel undergoing training as royal barge rowers and reviewed preparations for the upcoming royal barge procession in November.
The ceremony is being organised to celebrate the auspicious occasion of the fourth-cycle (48th) birthday of Her Majesty the Queen on June 3. The royal ceremony to present kathin robes to monks will take place at Wat Arun on Nov 6.
The inspection took place at the Royal Barge Division under the Small Craft Squadron, Naval Transportation Department, in Bangkok Noi district.
The training of royal barge rowers is a vital component of the navy’s preparations for the historic procession along the Chao Phraya River in the capital.
Specialised training courses have already been held for 58 royal barge captains and 104 helmsmen, equipping them with knowledge of traditional rowing techniques and ceremonial procedures. Upon completion, they will serve as instructors for the rowers assigned to their respective units.
The training phase focuses on land-based rowing drills, known as “bench training”, designed to familiarise rowers with the weight of the oars, correct posture and synchronised movements.
This will be followed by on-water training to develop navigation and boat-handling skills before progressing to full-unit exercises aboard the barges. Formation training on the river will then be conducted ahead of rehearsal runs and the full dress rehearsal.
For this year’s procession, a total of 52 ceremonial vessels will participate. The formation will stretch 1,200 metres in length and 90 metres in width, organised into five columns and manned by around 2,200 personnel.
At the centre of the procession will be the royal barge Suphannahong, which will carry the monarch. Supporting vessels include the royal barges Narai Song Suban King Rama IX, Anekkachatphuchong and Anantanakkharat, as well as drum barges, police escort boats and royal guard vessels.
