Since it seems a few of you will be in Bangkok around the time, I thought you might like to know that it's just been confirmed there will be a Royal Barge Procession on 9 November 2012. There will be 52 barges with 2,200 oarsman taking part. Full story is in the Post:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingn...t-set-on-nov-9

Note that there will be practices carried out between now and the end of October. I've experienced river boat delays when they're practicing, so you might keep this in mind.

Do they announce the practices? I won't be there for the procession but will be for a week in late October and it might be fun to see the action beforehand.

There are a few riverfront restaurants that you will be able to see the procession from, be it one of the rehearsal event or the main procession. If you want to see it I would aim for the dress rehearsal.

thanks.. hope to be able to see it on nov 2

We will be off the river and near the Erawan Shrine by then. Where can we get a good view of the procession without wilting in the heat?

Aloha!

ooops....just saw the info about the grand rehearsals which would probably be better

peter--maybe we can make a lunch date up on the river or a boat to take us there??

bob--sounds like a plan---with all your bkk connections make it happen

Aloha!

Drat! I'll miss it once again. Last year the flooding kept it from happening, and this year I will be heading back home on November 2...

Maybe I can catch a practice ??

i am crossing my eyes and snapping my fingers and nothing seems to be happening??

maybe pook will suggest a restaurant for us??? supatra??

Karen,

Unless it's one of the dress rehearsal or the main event the timing of the practice run is not precise. You will have to spend the whole afternoon, from about 1 - 5 PM so will you guys have the time or the patience?

Pook, Nov 2nd is one of two "grand" rehearsals according to the article above, would that one be a dress rehearsal or better timed?

Karen, but you didn't pat your head and rub your tummy first, of course nothing happened yet

Aloha!

Peter - yes that should be one of the main rehearsal so if you can find a restaurant situated on the river bank and along the procession route then that should be perfect. I think Bob had researched a restaurant already so he should know. I have only watched the procession from the Naval Club, Royal Thai Navy HQ, and it was a very formal affair. Dressed is suits,long dresses and boiling hot outdoor! If you can get Bob's restaurant with A/C then that will be perfect.

FULL SCHEDULE OF REHEARSALS:

Friday, September 21, 2012
Thursday 27 September, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Monday 8 October 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Friday 2 November 2012 (Dress Rehearsal)
Tuesday, November 6, 2012 (Dress Rehearsal)
Friday, November 9, 2012 (Final Event)

Thanks Pook!

I think it is a must see if we can work it into our schedule!!! Bob is on detail to find the right place for viewing. Do we know what time of day??? Pook,you said the dress rehersals are at a specfic time?

Karen,

It usually start at around 1 - 2.00 pm and end at around 5.00 pm.

Thanks... We will have to at slow and that's alot of Shingha to drink!

Pook, do most viewers watch the whole thing, or can you get an idea of it after a half hour or so? I see I have two practice runs while I'm in BKK. Maybe I can have a peek.

i now have a res at The Siam Hotel for lunch and await pook's opinion on its location....Michael, any comment?

We will be in Bangkok for some of the rehearsals, can you recommend a good place to watch? I have mobility issues so would not be able to stand, but a good restaurant would be good perhaps? Thinking of 4th October or 12th?
Pauline