Thailand's Royal Barge Procession set on Nov 9

BANGKOK, November 9 (TNA) - Thailand’s spectacular Royal Barge Procession, as part of a royal merit making to present "kathin" robes to the riverside Temple of the Dawn or Wat Arun Rajawararam in Bangkok on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 84th birthday on December 5, 2011, was set on Friday afternoon. As of Friday morning, several areas along the main Chao Phraya River in the Thai capital were well-prepared for the Royal Barge Procession, with all government and private buildings along the Royal Barge route, from Ta Rajaworadit Pier near the Royal Palace to the Temple of the Dawn, putting up steel railings and decorating their premises with His Majesty the King's portrait, the national flags, as well as yellow and white ribbons. The Royal Barge Procession will pass through Ta Tien, Thammasat University, Phrachan campus, as well as the Pinklao, the Krung Thon and the Rama VIII Bridges. Meanwhile, crowds of people from all walks of life, including members of families and friends of Royal Barge rowers participating in the procession, were gathering along the riverside route to view their loved ones' performance and to closely observe the traditional Royal Barge Procession. (TNA)