BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Navy announces cancellation of Royal Barge Procession rehearsal, citing “Rain Bomb” conditions; sets new final practice for October 24.
On October 22, the Royal Thai Navy announced that during October 22, 2024 final full-scale rehearsal for the Royal Barge Procession for the Royal Kathina Ceremony at Wat Arun, they encountered unexpectedly heavy rain conditions that forced an early termination of the practice.
The Navy stated that prior to the rehearsal, they had continuously monitored weather conditions up until the start time and found no indicators of prolonged heavy rainfall.
The barge procession departed from Wasukri Pier as scheduled at 3:00 p.m., but while en route to Wat Arun, they encountered heavy rain, strong gusts of wind, and a “rain bomb” phenomenon.
These weather conditions caused the barges to be affected by wind currents, creating risks in controlling the procession and compromising safety. This led commanders to order all vessels to dock along the riverbank and halt the rehearsal for the safety of personnel and ceremonial barges. Additionally, Wat Arun area experienced high levels of accumulated rainwater and flooding, making it impossible to continue the ceremony practice.
“The Royal Thai Navy thanks all citizens who showed interest and came to observe this rehearsal, and we apologize for the incident,” the statement noted.
Following this unexpected situation, the Navy will conduct another final practice on October 24, involving only four royal barges: the Suphannahong Royal Barge, the Narai Song Suban King Rama IX Royal Barge, the Anantanakkharat Royal Barge, the Anekchatbhuchong Royal Barge, and the Tangmo (inner drum boat).
Thursday’s practice route will run between Wat Rakhang Khositaram and Wichai Prasit Fort from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Personnel will not wear ceremonial attire as they need to prepare for the actual ceremony on October 27. Interested members of the public are welcome to observe this rehearsal.
The Marine Department will control river traffic on the Chao Phraya River during the specified time and area, though ferry services outside the operational area will continue normal operations.
The Royal barge ceremony, a merit-making procession on the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is scheduled for October 27, 2024, following the end of Buddhist Lent.
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