Thai barges on the Khlong ขบวนเสด็จพยุหยาตรา

A group of royal barges were also initiated on this occasion. The royal barges, adapted from war ships, were used in many important state ceremonies such as the reception of the royal guests and the royal procession welcoming diplomats and carrying royal letters or commands. Some other royal processions were also held in special royal ceremonies. The most extraordinary royal processions were held when the king went to pay homage to the Buddhas Footprints in Saraburi and when he performed rites in the Katin Festival. The great grand royal barge processions were witnessed by both Thai and foreign audiences.