Narai Song Suban Royal Barge King Rama IX

The Narai Song Suban Royal Barge King Rama IX was built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great on June 9, 1996.

The Royal Thai Navy and the Fine Arts Department used the Narai Song Suban Royal Barges built during the reigns of King Rama III and King Rama IV as models. The Royal Thai Navy was responsible for constructing the boat structure, oars, and decorative panels, while the Fine Arts Department handled all of the vessel’s artistic elements. 

The Narai Song Suban Royal Barge King Rama IX was used during the Royal Barge Procession for the presentation of Kathina robes at Wat Arun Ratchawararam on November 7, 1996.

The prow figurehead is carved in the shape of Vishnu standing on Garuda. His complexion is dark, and his four hands hold a chakram, a conch, a mace, and a trident. Garuda is depicted holding two nāgas aloft. Beneath Garuda, at the bow, is an opening for a cannon. A canopy throne and a royal seat are positioned in the middle of the barge. The exterior of the hull and its inner bottom are painted red.

The royal barge measures 44.30 meters in length, 3.20  meters in width, and 1.10  meters in depth. It requires a total crew of 71 personnel, comprising 64 crew members, including two shipmasters, two helmsmen, 50 oarsmen, one stern flag bearer, one signalman, one rhythm caller, and seven umbrella bearers, as well as seven officials from the Bureau of the Royal Household. 

Credit: พระลาน / NBT World