Boats to Honor 50th Year of Thai Reign
Led by the first royal vessel to be built in 82 years, Thailand will launch 53 ornate boats as a traditional barge procession Nov. 7 celebrates King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 50th anniversary on the throne.
The event is part of elaborate, yearlong festivities marking the king’s Golden Jubilee.
The new barge, Narayana Song Suban Rama IX, is 145 feet long and was hand-carved from a single tree trunk. Fifty oarsmen will power the vessel bearing the king through Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River.
The last royal procession, nine years ago, marked the 60th birthday of the king., Today the king, though revered by Thais, has largely ceremonial powers.
Tickets for seats at the procession are sold out, Thai officials said, but the 3:30 p.m. parade can be viewed from the street and from buildings along the river. This month, there were a few $8 seats left for a dress rehearsal at 2:30 p.m Oct. 29. For more information, contact a travel agent.
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