The Royal Thai Navy is begining rehearsals for a royal barge procession, the royal kathin ceremony, on November 9. The procession will start from Rama VIII Bridge (Vasukri Pier) and go down the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun Ratchawararam,  or Temple of Dawn, in the ceremony marking the end of Buddhist Lent. The procession, which is also to celebrate the 84th birthday of His Majesty the King on Dec 5, will occur between 3pm amd 5pm on Nov 9. Navy chief Surasak Rounroengrom said a fleet of 52 traditional barges and 2,200 oarsmen will participate in the procession. Eight small rehearsals will be carried out from Sept 21 to Oct 29 and two grand rehearsals on Nov 2 and Nov 6. Adm Surasak said the navy is coordinating with the Royal Irrigation Department on water management as the river current will impact the procession. So far there was no suggestion of a problem. From bangkokpost