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The royal barge procession is a symbolic demonstration of the power of the Thai monarch. The arrangement
of the procession is based on ancient riverine battle formations, with the royal barge of the King positioned at
the centre, surrounded by the barges of members of the royal family, nobles and military officers. At present,
it is held only on special occasions including the Coronation of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra
Vajiraklaochaoyuhua in 2019.

After the completion of the Preliminary and Primary Royal Ceremonies of the Coronation in April and
May 2019, the Final Royal Ceremonies took place on 12 December 2019. On that auspicious day, His Majesty
travelled along the Chao Phraya River by the Royal Barge Procession from Wasukri Pier to Rajavoradit Pier. Their
Majesties the King and the Queen, together with His Royal Highness Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, were travelling
aboard the Suphannahong Royal Barge. Their Royal Highnesses Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati
Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita and Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya joined the
procession aboard the Anekachat Bhujong Royal Barge.

Throngs of people congregated along the riverbanks to welcome Their Majesties the King and the Queen.
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn watched the Royal Barge Procession from Santi Jayaprakarn
Pavilion on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River while senior officials and members of the diplomatic
corps were seated in the pavilion near Rama VIII Park on the opposite side.
The Royal Thai Navy was responsible for organising the Royal Barge Procession and recruiting naval
officers as oarsmen. Several rehearsals were conducted prior to the ceremony to ensure that all barges moved
harmoniously. Every detail was attended to, ranging from safety measures to each uniform of the barge officers
and oarsmen, as well as the flower garlands and ornaments to adorn the major royal barges. The Royal Thai Navy
and the Fine Arts Department jointly restored the barges that required refurbishment, making sure that each
barge was in immaculate condition and ready to take part in the auspicious ceremony.

The Royal Barge Procession was arranged in three columns and five rows, requiring 2,200 officers,
all dressed in traditional uniform. It consisted of 52 barges as follows:

The Middle Column consisted of the four most important barges: Suphannahong, Anantanagaraj,
which carried the Phra Buddha Patima Jayawat H.M. King Rama IX Buddha image, Anekachat Bhujong and
Narai Songsuban H.M. King Rama IX, which served as an alternate royal barge for the King. They were led by
Klong Nok (Outer Drum Barge) or E-Lueang barge. The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy who acted
as the commander of the procession, travelled on Klong Nai (Inner Drum Barge) or Taengmo at the centre, ahead
of Suphannahong Royal Barge. The column also included the barges for the Royal Police.

The Inner Column was made up of the two rows flanking the middle column. These were led by Thong
Khwan Fa and Thong Babin barges respectively, followed by Suea Thayan Chon and Suea Khamron Sindhu,
the offensive or attacking barges. Situated behind them were the eight barges whose prows feature mythical
animals. Placed at the end of the column were Ekachai Hern Hao and Ekachai Laothong, the towing barges.

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