Navy Commander Presides Over Royal Barge Blessing for Queen's Birthday
Royal Thai Navy Commander Admiral Nares Wongtrakul led a traditional ceremony honoring the guardian spirits of 52 royal barges at Thonburi Naval Dockyard on November 6. The ritual prepares for the Royal Barge Procession during the Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun, celebrating Queen Suthida's 72nd birthday. The Navy Commander emphasized the unit's readiness and the honor of serving in this historic royal tradition.
At 07:59 on November 6, 2026, at Dock No. 1, Thonburi Naval Dockyard, Arun Amarin Road, Bangkok Noi District, Bangkok, Royal Thai Navy Commander Admiral Nares Wongtrakul presided over the ceremony to pay respects to the Mae Ya Nang (guardian spirits) of the 52 royal barges. The ritual was conducted for auspiciousness before the Royal Barge Procession for the Royal Kathin Ceremony at Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, held on the occasion of the auspicious royal ceremony celebrating Queen Suthida's 4th cycle birthday on June 3, 2026.
The Royal Thai Navy arranged ceremonies to honor guardian spirits at various locations. The ceremony to pay respects to the Mae Ya Nang of the royal barges took place at the Thonburi Naval Dockyard, where the royal barges and animal-figure barges are moored. After the ceremonial chanting concluded for all 52 barges in the procession, the Navy Commander presented garlands to the boat captains to offer to their respective vessels.
The Navy Commander stated that the Royal Barge Procession unit is fully prepared for this important mission, which is a great honor. Preparations have been underway since the beginning of last year, including monitoring weather conditions, water currents, and wind patterns. He anticipated no severe storms or rain on the day of the procession.
He added that the day is a shared pride for the Thai people who came to express their loyalty to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. The Royal Barge Procession honors Her Majesty the Queen on her 4th cycle birthday anniversary, and he personally considered it the highest honor to participate in this duty.
The ceremony to pay respects to the Mae Ya Nang is an ancient naval tradition. Sailors have long believed that every vessel has a guardian spirit residing within it, protecting the boat and crew from all dangers. Before any departure or deployment, the ritual of paying respects to the Mae Ya Nang is performed for auspiciousness and to boost morale among the crew. It remains a cherished tradition observed continuously to this day.
