Free public registration to watch the Royal Barge Procession

The Royal Thai Navy has announced free public registration for spectators to watch the Royal Barge Procession along the Chao Phraya River. The event will take place on three dates in 2026 – two full-dress rehearsals on 21 and 28 October, and the official procession on 6 November. The procession accompanies His Majesty the King on his river journey to present the Royal Kathin robes at Wat Arun Ratchawararam, marking Queen Suthida's 48th birthday and her fourth cycle anniversary.

The procession features a 52-barge fleet, manned by around 2,200 navy oarsmen, arranged in five columns and three rows, spanning about 1,280 meters long and 90 meters wide. Designated viewing areas include the Royal Thai Navy Club, Thatsanaphirom Lawn at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall, and the Ratcha Navik Sapha Building, which is available only on the rehearsal dates.

Each person can claim up to two tickets for one date only. To register, attendees must make a two-step reservation by phone between 8 and 16 September 2026 (8.30 am – 4.30 pm, excluding public holidays) or collect physical tickets at the Naval Civil Affairs Department between 21 and 25 September 2026 (8.30 am – 4.30 pm). For those without tickets, spectators can still view the fleet from designated public vantage points along both banks of the river, such as Santichai Prakan Park, Chalermphrakiat 72nd Anniversary Park next to Siriraj Hospital, Tha Maharaj, and Tha Chang.

If assigned seats fill up, these areas will still allow viewers to witness the procession. Rehearsals typically begin around 2.30 pm.