Thai king’s royal barge procession marks his 72nd birthday in Bangkok

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida presided over a ceremonial royal barge procession to mark his 72nd birthday along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok on Sunday (October 27). Fifty-two royal barges, arranged in five rows and three columns, glided along the river, with 2,200 oarsmen navigating a 1,200-meter formation. The ceremony resonated with traditional royal barge chants honouring the King. The procession also marked the annual Kathin ceremony, where the King presented robes to Buddhist monks, highlighting the royal family’s dedication to Thai religious traditions. (Production: Napat Wesshasartar)