Photo taken on Dec. 12, 2019 shows a view of the royal barge procession along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. A spectacular royal barge procession which graced through Bangkok's main river on Thursday marked the completion of the royal coronation ceremony for King Vajiralongkorn. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)
BANGKOK, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- A spectacular royal barge procession which graced through Bangkok's main river on Thursday marked the completion of the royal coronation ceremony for King Vajiralongkorn.
Their Majesties the Thai King and Queen were seen sitting in the main barge 'Suphannahong' along the Chao Phraya River in a spectacular flotilla of ceremonial barges and boats while thousands of Thais chanted "Long Live Their Majesties."
As the 3.4 kilometers procession proceeded along with 52 ceremonial barges under a clear blue sky, one can hear Buddhist chantings coming from surrounding temples along both sides of the river.
The barge rowing ceremonial songs also echoed throughout the route of the procession.
Loyal Thais, most dressed in yellow, began filling up the banks of Chao Phya River since the morning to catch a glimpse of their once-in-a-lifetime event.
"The Royal Barge Procession is the pride of Thailand," said Anusorm, a farmer from North-Eastern Thailand told Xinhua, "I took the overnight bus and arrived at the Chao-Phraya bank at 5 am."
More than 2,200 oarsmen from the Royal Thai Navy were dressed in colorful ancient ceremonial military uniforms.
The royal barge procession which took about 45 minutes, was broadcast live on Thai TV.
King Vajiralongkorn ascended to the throne in May this year.
