Thailand's Royal Barges sail amid worries for king's health
Bangkok's murky Chao Phraya river will be awash with colour and song Monday as the glittering Royal Barges make a rare appearance to launch month-long celebrations for King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday.

Fifty-two longtail boats manned by 2,200 oarsmen, guardsmen, drummers and singers resplendent in brightly coloured tunics will sail in formation through the heart of the Thai capital, on their way to Wat Arun, the temple of dawn.

Traditionally, the Thai king takes his place on the century-old royal barge Suphannahongse, or "Golden Swan", to deliver robes to monks in a ceremony marking the end of Buddhist Lent.

But government officials said that the deeply-revered monarch will not be attending the outing of the Royal Barges, and had assigned the crown prince to go in his place.

Celebrations for the king's birthday on December 5 come amid worries for the king's health.

AFP