Celebrating the 72nd birthday of the King of Thailand, the Centenary King Boat Parade reproduces Thailand’s traditional and exquisite culture_2

To commemorate King Vajiralongkorn’s 72nd birthday, Thailand held a grand royal barge procession on October 27, showcasing the splendor of its ancient traditions along the Chao Phraya River. Thousands of navy soldiers expertly rowed traditional boats crafted according to ancient methods, their rhythmic strokes accompanied by powerful chants celebrating Thai culture.

The significance of the royal barge procession dates back to the historical importance of waterways in ancient Thai society. Boats were utilized for warfare, transportation, communication, and royal or Buddhist ceremonies. Historical records indicate that royal barge processions existed during the Sukhothai period, although no physical evidence from that era has been uncovered by contemporary historians.

During the Ayutthaya period, documentary evidence of royal barge processions is abundant. These barges were entirely handmade, but many were destroyed during the decline of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. In the Chakri Dynasty, King Rama I ordered the reconstruction of royal barges in the style of the Ayutthaya-era vessels for official use.

In 1932, during the reign of King Rama VII, a grand royal barge procession was organized to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Bangkok’s founding. However, king Rama VII later moved abroad, and the event was not held again until King Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej, revived it in 1957 to mark the 2,500th anniversary of Buddhism.

King Bhumibol held numerous royal barge processions during his reign. Following his passing in 2016, his son, King Vajiralongkorn, ascended the throne as Rama X. In May 2019, the royal family celebrated his coronation, and the royal barge procession was held again in December of the same year.

On July 28, King Vajiralongkorn’s 72nd birthday, the barge fleet paraded along the Chao Phraya River. The procession stretched approximately 1.2 kilometers long and covered a total distance of around 4.2 kilometers, taking nearly an hour to complete. This year’s event featured 52 boats and over 2,200 navy soldiers, with participants predominantly aged between 20 and 30, who rowed in a synchronized manner requiring significant physical stamina.

The singing officers praised not only the king but also the beauty of the royal barges and the scenic views along the river, completing the entire route with powerful voices.

Many Thai citizens gathered early by the riverbank and designated viewing areas to witness the royal barge procession in the afternoon sun, which caused some to sweat profusely while waiting. The procession commenced around 3 PM, with spectators waving Thai flags and the yellow royal flags, chanting in Thai to express their loyalty to the king.

The leading vessels included four main barges, with the first being the Suphannahong, in which the king and queen were seated. Constructed during the reign of King Rama V, this barge features a swan-shaped prow adorned in gold leaf and embellished with glass decorations. The second barge, the Anantanakkharat, was built during King Rama VI’s reign, with a prow resembling a seven-headed Naga, similarly adorned.

The third and fourth boats were the Anekkachatphutchong and the Narai Song Suban, respectively. The latter, inspired by the Hindu god Vishnu, was created in 1996 to honor the 50th anniversary of King Rama IX’s reign.

Since these vessels were crafted according to traditional Ayutthaya methods, the Suphannahong boasts a history of over a century, making the royal barge procession a true feast of Thailand’s royal craftsmanship and cultural heritage, reflecting the deep-rooted connection of Thai people with waterways throughout history.