Bangkok, Today marks the first day of the full-scale rehearsal of the royal procession. The commander of the Royal Thai Navy asked all rowers to be proud of their mission and to be mindful of safety and to stay healthy. Today (1 August) is the first time that the Royal Barge Procession has been rehearsed, with all 52 boats in full formation along the actual route, from Tha Wasukri to Wat Arun Ratchawararam. The personnel rowing the royal boats and the boats used in the procession today are dressed in the colours of the national flag: red, white and blue. After the full-scale rehearsal of 52 ships, there were 10 scheduled rehearsals, with another 9 scheduled after today, the next one being on August 8. On the occasion of the first full rehearsal, Admiral Adung Phan-iam, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, traveled to give a speech, stating that all rowers are the pride of the Royal Thai Navy and all Thai people, and that the Royal Thai Navy feels the utmost honor to have His Majesty granting permissi on to give an important mission in organizing the Kathin robe offering procession. He asked all personnel to be mindful of safety and maintain good health as the royal ceremony date approaches. Source: Thai News Agency
