06 NOVEMBER 2012 - BANGKOK, THAILAND:  The barge Seua Thayan Chon Barge and other royal barges participate in the final dress rehearsal for the Royal Barge Process on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Thailand's Royal Barge Procession has both religious and royal significance. The tradition is nearly 700 years old. The Royal Barge Procession takes place rarely, typically coinciding with only the most important cultural and religious events. During the reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, spanning over 60 years, the Procession has only occurred 16 times. The Royal Barge Procession consists of 52 barges: 51 historical Barges, and the Royal Barge, the Narai Song Suban, which King Rama IX built in 1994. It is the only Barge built during King Bhumibol's reign. These barges are manned by 2,082 oarsmen. The Procession proceeds down the Chao Phraya River, from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place in Bangkok, passes the Grand Palace complex and ends at Wat Arun. Tuesday's dress rehearsal was the final practice for the 2012 Royal Barge Procession, which takes place November 9.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
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