Royal barge fleet ready in time for 'kathin' ceremony

[PeteC]

I would check to make sure the bar is open during rehearsal hours. Some places have strange schedules like "Open between 1800 and Midnight".

[Big Boy]

I can't see them keeping it closed for that, but if they do, they have riverside gardens. It is almost certainly the reason for them being sold out - other non-rehearsal dates around the same time have plenty of availability.

[PeteC]

Let us know what you think of the place afterwards. It may be a reasonably priced riverside location for an escape to Bangkok weekend.

[Big Boy]

No problem - I will most likely do a photo report.

[PeteC]

When is your Bangkok Royal boat rehearsal trip BB?

[Big Boy]

21st to 23rd October.

[PeteC]

21st to 23rd October.

Really? I've been reading about them moving the subject boats around on the river so I thought it was much closer. My bad.

[Big Boy]

To move 52 boats in procession on a fast flowing river with the world watching on will take a lot of practice. I'm amazed they've left practice until now. An incredible logistics operation housing, feeding and training 2,000 green sailors, and those are just the oarsmen. You have the security detachments in rigid raiders every few feet protecting the procession. Then there's the regular security - imagine how many rooftops and windows they will pass. I was a Naval Logistician, but would not fancy the job of organising that lot. I think the Falklands War was easier.

Just consider the mammoth task of driving 52 oar powered longboats down the Chao Phraya in strict formation, with every many and his dog chanting and rowing in time with their own chants. Every chant in unison. This will be a world event. It would be hard enough to do if the boats had engines. It should be such an amazing sight. I really can't wait.

The video I took on Lake Khao Tao with just 2 boats and no current was amazing. I think 52 at the same time along the Chao Phraya will be nigh on impossible.

[PeteC]

They have experience, or at least the grey hairs do. I watched I think 2 on TV that Rama IX held in years past.

[PeteC]

October is the rehearsal but when is the actual? October and November the monsoon can be really bad in Bangkok, and the river very high. I would hope the real deal is in December or January.

[Big Boy]

October 27th I think.

[PeteC]

Chao Phraya river closure for royal procession rehearsals

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... rehearsals

All boats, including ferry services, will be banned from afternoon travel on the Chao Phraya river between Krung Thon and Memorial bridges on four Thursdays next month, to allow rehearsals for the Royal Barge Procession.

Chao Phraya Express Boat Co said on Tuesday it had been advised that a section of the river would be closed by the Marine Department from 12.30pm on Aug 1, 8, 15 and 22............

[Big Boy]

rehearsal.jpg (57.97 KiB) Viewed 2827 times

[Big Boy]

For anybody thinking of going (I'm going next week), they have set up viewing platforms to watch the parade https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1434388

[pharvey]

For anybody thinking of going (I'm going next week), they have set up viewing platforms to watch the parade https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1434388

Well, had honestly forgotten about it, but was interested in viewing. Will there be anything such as YouTube channels where we can watch things "Live" outside of Thailand?